Field of Play

Avon Lake wins the SWC, stays undefeated

2011-10-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

The unpredictable yet spectacular run for the Avon Lake Shoregals continues, as they are now 17-0 after defeating Olmsted Falls 3-0.

The win clinched their first Southwestern Conference title in over a decade and despite only winning the first game 25-23, the Shoregals cruised to the title winning the final two games giving up just a combined 22 points.

Whitney Craigo had 22 assists and Katie Mihalik had 14 service points for Avon Lake as Dan Berkheimer's team has made quite a run this season.

Other results:
Bay 3, North Ridgeville 0: The Rockets continue to stay atop the West Shore Conference as they defeated the Rangers to improve to 9-1 in the conference.
Rachel Vick had 16 kills and Bridget Durham had 4 solo blocks for Bay in the win.

Elyria Catholic 3, Rocky River 0: The Panthers are still alive in the race for the WSC title in their first year in the conference as they swept the Pirates in Rocky River.
Led by Riley St. Marie's 19 digs, EC, now 8-3 in the WSC, can keep their hopes for a title alive Tuesday against Bay. A win for Bay would clinch their third straight conference championship.

Edison 3, St. Mary 0: The Chargers, like Bay, are in the driver's seat to win their conference, the SBC, after blowing by St. Mary, allowing just 33 points in the 3 game win.
Abbey Cox's 17 kills and 5 aces powered the Chargers to a 12-0 conference record after their win over the Panthers.

Brookside 3, Keystone 0: The Brookside Cardinals are still undefeated in PAC play as they dominated a Keystone team that had previously lost only once in conference play all season.
Kady Whitsel had 21 digs and Shelby Kerstetter added 4 blocks as the Cardinals are closing in on their first ever PAC title.

Lorain 3, Warren Harding 0: A 3-0 win over Warren Harding helped the Lady Titans improve to 14-5 on the season, with a 9-1 record in the Lake Erie League.
After just winning a tight first game 25-23, Lorain won each of the last two by a dominating 25-9 tally.

Demons strong in sectional play

2011-10-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

OBERLIN — The two Westlake doubles teams participating in the Division I girls’ tennis sectionals each moved on to the semifinals on the tournament.

The team on Julia Dunbar and Michelle Djohan defeated Elyria’s Emily Henceroth and India Fields 6-0, 6-0 in the quarterfinals and will face Magnificat, who defeated Avon Lake 6-1, 6-0.

Also making the semifinals for Westlake doubles were Bhargavi Maheshwer and Dana Miller, as they beat Lakewood in three games to face Magnificat’s second doubles’ pair in the semifinals.

The Demons also had a pair of singles’ players win on Monday, as Lauren Golick, the tournament’s top seed, defeated John Marshall’s Brittany Schill 6-0, 6-0. Melissa Dhohan won 6-0, 6-1 to move on to the next round of sectional play.

Other local players of note in the tournament include Lorain’s Marina Melendez who overcame a 1-0 game deficit to move on the next round on play, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Rachel Pickering of Midview defeated
Lorain’s Buffy Inchaurregui 6-3, 6-1 to continue on.

Play resumed today at 1 p.m. with the second, third and fourth round of singles at Oberlin College.

Roundup: Bay moves into first place in WSC

2011-09-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

With first place on the line in Bay Village, the Rockets were dominant in defeating Midview 3-0.

Bay had trailed Midview by 1/2 game in the West Shore Conference going into the contest, and wasted no time in seizing control of the contest.

The Rockets won 25-11, 25-16 and 26-24, and Katie McFeeley was a dominant passer for Bay with 43 assists in the victory.

With the win, Bay now takes control of the West Shore Conference, and Elyria Catholic's 3-0 win over North Ridgeville, a win in which the Panthers only lost 19 points all match, vaulted them into a second place tie with Midview.

Bay has won 10 in a row and has a chance to put things out of reach potentially when they face EC on Oct. 11.

Midview's remaining schedule includes matchups Vermilion and North Ridgeville, which are the two worst teams in the WSC.

But this win was humongous for Bay as they have now put themselves in the driver's seat for the WSC title.

The two-time defending WSC champions may have lost their first conference match this season since 2008, but they still have a great shot to take the West Shore once again.

It will all come down likely to that Bay-Elyria Catholic showdown in two weeks.

Other results:
Avon Lake 3, Amherst 0: The Shoregals are now 15-0 and they continue to be a buzzsaw in the Southwestern Conference. Katie Mahalik had 12 kills and 9 blocks in the win.

Brookside 3, Brooklyn 0: Brookside continues to roll through the Patriot Athletic Conference, staying perfect through 11 conference games. Morning Journal Player of the Week Gabby Piwowar had 22 assists and Jeanine Musall had 13 kills for the Cardinals.

Keystone 3, Fairview 0: Keystone continues to keep Brookside in their sights in the PAC with a hard-fought win against Fairview. They will face the first place Cardinals on October 6.

Lorain 3, Shaw 0: The Titans were dominant against Shaw to improve to 7-1 in the LEL, and 12-3 overall on the season. Alexis Castro had 9 serving aces in the win.

Edison 3, Oak Harbor 0: The Chargers continue to hold their perch atop the Sandusky Bay Conference defeating the Rockets handily, allowing only 27 points. Elise Gastier had 28 service points and 18 setting assists for Edison.

Local state finishers at Columbus

2011-06-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

COLUMBUS - Here's a look at how other local athletes finished at the 2011 State Track and Field Championships at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium:

Division I

Boys discus - Senior Jaylan Guevara (Sandusky) 4th place, 181-00.

Boys pole vault - Senior Matt Zvosec (Amherst) No height recorded.

Girls shot put - Sophomore Christine Bohan (Avon Lake) 10th place, 39-09.25.

Division II

Girls 800 - Senior Alexa Rick (Elyria Catholic) 13th place, 2:20.76.

Division III

Girls 800 - Freshman Gabrielle Neubauer (Open Door) 15th place, 2:28.77.

Western Reserve's Johnson win Division II high jump

2011-06-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

COLUMBUS - Western Reserve senior Darren Johnson's second day at the 2011 State Track and Field Championships has already been more successful than his first day.

Johnson defended his high jump title, by winning the event again in Division II with a jump of 6-feet, 8-inches. Johnson said his goal was to reach seven feet, but he failed on his three attempts.

After failing to place in the long jump on Friday, Johnson seems to be back on track. He still has to run the 200 and 400 later on Saturday.

Here's how some other athletes have fared early on Day 2 of the 2011 State Track and Field Championships at Jesse Memorial Owens Stadium:

Division II

Boys discus - Junior Michael Ebert (Perkins) 4th place, 162-11.

Girls long jump - Sophomore Brittany Gates (Keystone) 11th place, 16-03.25.

Girls shot put - Junior Amelia Strickler (Bay) 14th place, 37-00.

Division III

Girls 400 - Senior Ashten Robson (Western Reserve) 5th place, 58.75.

Adcock, Sandusky move on

2011-06-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

COLUMBUS - It was a successful day for senior Demar Adcock and the Sandusky Blue Streaks at the 2011 State Track and Field Championships at Jesse Memorial Stadium.

Adcock qualified for Saturday's finals in the 100 and 200, and also was part of the 40 relay team along with juniors Marquis Winston, Steve Sanders and Chester Dixie who qualified with a time of 42.49.

Adcock said he satisfied other than a bad start in the 200.

"I felt like I was jogging at the start, then I just turned it on," said Adcock who ran a 21.57 in the 200.

Adcock added that the 400 relay team has good shot to do well in the finals if they clean up their hand-offs.

"I'm pretty tired," Adcock said. "But I'm happy my teammates are down here to run with me."

Here are some other notables who qualified for the finals on Saturday:

Division I

300 Hurdles - Junior Pete Lancione (Avon Lake) 39.13

Division II

110 Hurdles - Senior Devin Bermudez (Perkins) 14.68

300 Hurdles - Bermudez (Perkins) 38.07

EC's Ball comes up short in pole vault

2011-06-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Elyria Catholic freshman Lucas Ball made his debut at the 2011 State Track and Field Championships in the Division II pole vault.

Ball tied his personal-best height of 13-feet, 6-inches but couldn't clear 14 feet and finished 10th in the event.

Ball seemed to be catching his stride as he cleared 13-06 on his first attempt, but failed on his first two attempts at 14, then DQ'ed on his final attempt.

Bay junior Marek Mutch finished 11th, as he also cleared 13-06.

Bellevue sophomore Matt Rowland won the event, clearing a height of 14-09.

Vermilion's Bartlome doesn't place in high jump

2011-06-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Vermilion freshman Hannah Bartlome jumped 5-00 in the girls Division II high jump, on Friday, at the 2011 State Track and Field Championships at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

Bartlome finished 15th in the event. Washington C.H. Washington junior Logan Rowe won the event with a height of 5-06.00.

Bartlome is also running in the semifinals of the 400 and 800 relays later today.

Local qualifiers for state track finals

2011-06-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here's an update of the local athletes who qualified for the finals in their respective events at the 2011 State Track and Field Championship at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus.

Division III

400 relay - Western Reserve 51.03 (senior Ashten Robson, sophomore Annie Pleinies, sophomore Carli Patrick and junior Marissa Jackson.)

400 relay finals - Saturday 10:20 a.m.

400 - Ashten Robson (Western Reserve) 58.78

400 finals - Saturday 10:35 a.m.

Western Reserve's Johnson doesn't place in long jump

2011-06-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Western Reserve senior Darren Johnson got off to a rough start at the 2011 State Track and Field Championships, at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus, on Friday June 3.

Johnson, who qualified for four individual events, participated in the long jump in Division II but failed to place in the top eight.

Johnson fouled on one of his three attempts and his best jump of the day was 20-10.75. He finished 12th in the event.

Johnson will participate in the 200, 400 and high jump on Saturday.

Elyria Catholic senior Zach Rogers also failed to qualify in the high jump.

Rogers completed all three jumps, but his best distance was 20-09.75, which was good for 14th place.

Leavittsburg LaBrae senior Andre Elkins won the Division II long jump with a distance of 22-05.75.

Shoremen still team to beat

2011-02-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

Something happen over the weekend that hadn't happen during the 2010-11 boys basketball season - Avon Lake lost a game.

That's right. The team that had ran through its first 19 games of the regular season lost to Southwestern Conference foe Brecksville 65-53 in the regular season finale at home.

Despite the loss, the Shoremen should be considered as heavy favorites to repeat as Division I district champions in Grafton.

The Shormen are probably the deepest team in the Grafton district and are capable of beating teams in various ways.

During the season teams have tried to play stall ball against the Shoremen and lost. Others have tried to run with the Shoremen, only to fall victim to the same result.

The key for Avon Lake is its defense. The Shoremen are relentless with ball pressure for four quarters, which has frustrated their opponents.

Offensively, the Shoremen have a number of weapons at their disposal.

The team is led in scoring by Ronnie Willoughby. Willoughby is what makes this team go. He's 6-foot-5, can run the floor, shoot and get to the basket at will.

Teams can not key on him though, because Eric Stuczynski, Brandon Murway and Jay Seaton are flooting around the perimeter and can all knock down the 3.

Another advantage the Shoremen have is experience. The roster is filled with seniors and juniors, who all went played together in last year's tournament run.

The Shoremen have a bye in the opening round of the tournament and will face the winner of the Berea/Olmsted Falls game.

Avon Lake is 2-0 against both SWC opponents this season, so they shouldn't have a problem getting to the semifinals.

Strongsville seems to be the toughest matchup for the Shoremen, but Avon Lake would not have to play the Mustangs until the district final. The Mustangs gave state-ranked Garfield Heights their only loss in the regular season.

The Grafton district is loaded with good teams, but Avon Lake seems poised for another run to the regional.

Final boys basketball power poll

2011-02-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well the 2010-11 regular season has come to an end and Avon Lake is the Morning Journal Power Poll champions.

Despite losing their final regular season game to Brecksville, the Shoremen remained at the top spot in the Power Poll, finishing with a 19-1 overall record and 13-1 in the Southwestern Conference to share the conference title with Brecksville.

Congratulations also goes out to Western Reserve, Edison and Norwalk for winning their respective conferences.

Here is a look at the rest of the Top 10 and their upcoming tournament games, let the March Madness begin!:

1. Avon Lake (19-1)
The Shoremen will face the winner of the Berea/Olmsted Falls game in the Division I Grafton District tournament on March 4.

2. Edison (17-3)
The Chargers will take on the winner of the Clyde/Port Clinton game at the Division II Ashland District tournament on March 4.

3. Perkins (17-3)
The Pirates will battle the winner of the Norwalk/Bellevue game at the Division II Ashland District tournament on March 4.

4. Western Reserve (17-2)
The Roughriders will face Lakota in the opening round of the Division III Mansfield District tournament on March 1.

5. Norwalk (15-5)
The Truckers take on Bellevue in the opening round of the Division II Ashland District tournament on March 1.

6. Avon (14-6)
The Eagles face the winner of the Padua/Keystone game in the Division II Westlake District tournament on March 5.

7. Huron (13-7)
The Tigers will battle Woodmore in the opening round of the Division III Mansfield District tournament on March 1.

8. Elyria (12-8)
The Pioneers face Medina in the opening round of the Division I Grafton District tournament on March 2.

9. Lorain (12-8)
The Titans take on Brecksville in the opening round of the Division I Grafton District tournament on March 2.

10. Bay (13-7)
The Rockets will take on the winner of the Firelands/Vermilion game on March 4.

Boys Basketball Power Poll through February 18

2011-02-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Here's the Morning Journal's Boys Basketball Power Poll according to Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Rios through February 18th.

The rankings are based on records, division and opponents faced.

Avon Lake remained in the top spot after victories against Amherst and Midpark. The biggest jump this week was from the Perkins Pirates, who defeated Western Reserve last Saturday at home. The Pirates are now 15-2 overall.

Norwalk had the biggest drop this week, falling from No. 3 to No. 7 after a bad loss to Galion on Tuesday.

Both Bay and Lorain also climbed in the poll this week.

1. Avon Lake (17-0)
The Shoremen defeated Westlake Tuesday 48-29. A win tonight against North Olmsted clinches at least a share of the Southwestern Conference.

2. Perkins (15-2)
The Pirates had an impressive win against Western Reserve last Saturday. On the road tonight to face SBC opponent Margaretta.

3. Western Reserve (15-2)
The Roughriders lost to Perkins last Saturday. Their on the road tonight against Mapleton and host Edison on Saturday.

4. Edison (15-2)
Defeated Monroeville on Monday, on the road against Clyde tonight and travel to face Western Reserve on Saturday.

5. Bay (13-3)
The Rockets defeated Fairview on Tuesday and are on the road to face Rocky River. A win by Bay would put them a game out of first place.

6. Lorain (11-5)
The Titans have won three in a row and are on the road tonight against Shaw, then host Toledo Scott at Southview High School on Saturday.

7. Norwalk (13-4)
The Truckers eight-game winning was snapped with a loss to Galion on Tuesday. Host NOL opponent Willard tonight.

8. Elyria (11-7)
The Pioneers lost to Garfield Heights on Tuesday and host Medina tonight.

9. Avon (12-6)
The Eagles fell to Midview on Tuesday and host WSC opponent Firelands tonight.

10. Oberlin (10-7)
The Phoenix lost to Buckeye on Monday and host PAC-leading Lutheran West tonight.

On the outside: Westlake (9-8), Open Door (10-8), Huron (10-7), Midview (9-8), Clearview (9-9), Sandusky (9-9)

Boys Basketball Power Poll through Feb.11

2011-02-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here's the Morning Journal's Boys Basketball Power Poll according to Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Rios through February 11th.

The rankings are based on records, division and opponents faced.

There was a lot movement in this week's poll as Lorain, Avon and Elyria all lost games last week.

That paved the way for Norwalk to jumped from No. 6 to No. 3. The Truckers had a busy week as they moved into first place in the Northern Ohio League with victories against Shelby and Upper Sandusky. Norwalk will try to make it 3-0 this week as they travel to play Tiffin Columbian on Saturday.

The Top 2 spots remained the same with Avon Lake at No. 1 and Western Reserve at No. 2.

Here's a look at the rest of the Top 10:

1. Avon Lake (15-0)
The Shoremen move to 10-0 in the SWC with wins against Amherst and Midpark. Host Olmsted Falls tonight.

2. Western Reserve (14-1)
The Roughriders beat Monroeville on the road last Friday and host New London tonight.

3. Norwalk (12-3)
Defeated NOL opponent Shelby on Monday and beat Upper Sandusky on Thursday. The Truckers travel to face Tiffin Columbian on Saturday.

4. Edison (12-2)
The Chargers defeated Margaretta in double OT last Friday and host St. Mary tonight.

5. Perkins (13-2)
The Pirates beat Clyde last Friday and host Port Clinton tonight.

6. Elyria (10-5)
Defeated Avon last Saturday, but lost to NOC opponent Strongsville on Tuesday. Travel to face Lakewood tonight.

7. Bay (11-3)
The Rockets defeated Firelands on the road last Friday and host North Ridgeville tonight.

8. Lorain (8-5)
The Titans lost to Massillon Washington on Tuesday. Host Warrensville Heights and Clearview tonight and Saturday.

9. Avon (11-5)
Lost to Rocky River and Elyria last week. The Eagles host WSC opponent Vermilion tonight.

10. Oberlin (10-5)
The Phoenix beat Horizon Science last Friday, but lost to Columbia on Tuesday. On the road against Brooklyn tonight.

Clippers still ahead of the PAC

2011-01-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

Heading into the 2010-11 season no one thought the Clearview Clippers would be a good team.

The Clippers had dominated the Patriot Athletic Conference the last few years and won the Westlake Division II championship, but they were led by the trio of Tony Williams, Anthony Hitchens and Kyle Baughman.

Those guys were replaced by players like Jacob Senquiz, DeShawn Carter, Anthony Fears and R.J. Pressutto.

They might not be household names, but somehow Clearview coach John Szalay has this year's team in a familiar place - first place in the PAC - Stripes Division.

The Clippers last loss came to Elyria in non-conferene play on Jan. 18. Since then, Clearview has won three in row. They are 8-5 overall, and lead the PAC by two games over Lutheran West and Oberlin with a 7-1 record.

The team has 13 seniors listed on the roster, but many of these guys are getting their first opportunity to play extensive minutes on the varsity level.

The Clippers control their own destiny to win another PAC title, but they still have games left against Lutheran West and Oberlin (regular season finale).

Boys Basketball Power Poll through Jan. 28th

2011-01-28T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here's the Morning Journal's Boys Basketball Power Poll according to Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Rios through January 28th.

The rankings are based on records, division and opponents faced.

This week Avon Lake remained at the top spot again with two victories against North Olmsted and Brecksville.

Lorain and Avon jumped to No. 3 and No. 4 respectively, while Norwalk made the biggest jump of the week, moving from No. 10 to No. 6.

Edison and Perkins both dropped four spots. The Chargers beat Perkins on the road last Friday, but fell to Norwalk the following night on the road.

The Pirates' loss to Edison gives the Chargers the inside track to the Sandusky Bay Conference.

Here's a look at this week's Power Poll:

1. Avon Lake (12-0)
The Shoremen remained undefeated with wins against North Olmsted and Brecksville. Face Berea on the road tonight.

2. Western Reserve (12-1)
The Roughriders beat Crestview and St. Paul last week. Host South Central tonight.

3. Lorain (8-3)
Defeated Maple Heights last Friday and play Toledo Scott on Feb. 1.

4. Avon (10-3)
In the driver's seat in the West Shore after beating North Ridgeville on Tuesday. Face Fairview on the road tonight.

5. Elyria (9-4)
Defeated Elyria Catholic on Tuesday and face North Ridgeville on the road Feb. 1.

6. Norwalk (8-3)
Defeated Edison last Saturday and face Bellevue on the road tonight.

7. Edison (9-2)
Beat Perkins Friday night in a big conference game but lost to Norwalk on Saturday. Host Oak Harbor tonight as they try to stay on top of the SBC.

8. Perkins (10-2)
The Pirates lost to Edison last Friday and face Huron on the road tonight.

9. Bay (9-3)
Defeated Midview on Tuesday and host Vermilion tonight.

10. Oberlin (8-4)
Lost to Wellington on Tuesday and host Keystone tonight.

Tough road ahead for Avon Lake

2011-01-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

We're just past the midway point of the 2010-11 boys basketball season and Avon Lake remains the only undefeated team in Lorain County.

The Shoremen are currently 11-0 and 6-0 in the Southwestern Conference after their 68-54 victory against North Olmsted on Jan. 21.

Avon Lake has been winning in dominant fashion and have a great shot of running the table in the regular season.

They've only had three single-digit wins and are averaging 61.9 points per game, while allowing just 45.2 ppg.

Starting this week, though, Avon Lake will embark on its toughest part of its schedule, where they will play four of its next five games on the road.

Two of those games are against Berea (Jan. 28 on the road) and Westlake (Feb. 01 at home).

The Shoremen only defeated the Braves 60-57 in their first meeting on Dec. 10 and beat the Demons 51-48 in their first meeting on Dec. 14.

If the Shoremen can win those games, they have a great shot to go 20-0. Not to take anything away from the SWC, but Avon Lake is playing on another level from the competition right now.

After that tough stretch, the Shoremen will have three of their last four games at home.

They will host Olmsted Falls (0-10), Lorain (8-3), Brecksville (7-3) and on the road against North Olmsted (3-7).

If Avon Lake wins out they will be the first boys basketball in the county to go undefeated since the 2008-09 Admiral King team, that started 21-0 before losing the Division I Grafton district tournament.

Chargers/Eagles make conference statements

2011-01-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

Friday night was a big night for a couple of teams trying to take control of their conference.

In Sandusky, the Edison Chargers took on the Perkins Pirates. Both teams came into the game with 7-1 records in the Sandusky Bay Conference.

The Chargers erased 40-32 deficit early in the fourth quarter to defeat the Pirates 47-44.

Edison's seniors made the difference down the stretch as Mike Yost and Ryan Reber came up with huge plays on both ends of the floor.

With 21 seconds left, Yost score on an offensive rebound to put the Chargers up by one.

On the Pirates next possession, Brandon Smith drove to the basket for the go-ahead score, but Reber stepped in to take a charge to preserve the win.

The Chargers now own the tie-breaker and control their own destiny to win the SBC for the second time in three years.

In another marquee matchup, the Avon Eagles took on the Bay Rockets in a battle of top West Shore Conference teams.

John Urwin scored a game-high 25 points, but R.J. Kauffman (20 points) and Claude Gray (21 points) were too much as the Eagles won 69-61.

The Eagles now are 9-3 overall and 6-1 in the WSC and have control of the conference.

It's been a rough week for Bay, who were 8-1 and 4-1 in the WSC before the week began, but lost to Rocky River last Tuesday and followed that with its loss to Avon.

Both teams were picked to finish in the top of the conference, but it looks like Bay might need some luck if they are going to catch the Eagles.

The teams will meet in the regular-season finale on Feb. 25th, and if Avon stumbles it could be for the conference title.

Boys Basketball Power Poll through Jan. 21st

2011-01-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

Here's the Morning Journal's Boys Basketball Power Poll according to Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Rios through January 21st.

The rankings are based on records, division and opponents faced. This week Avon Lake remained at the top spot, while Bay and Norwalk made their debuts in the Top 10.

1. Avon Lake (10-0)
Defeated Olmsted Falls last Friday and beat Avon Tuesday. The Shoremen host North Olmsted tonight.

2. Western Reserve (10-1)
The Roughriders beat Wellington last Saturday and are on the road tonight to face Crestview.

3. Edison (8-1)
The Chargers defeated Plymouth last Saturday and are on the road to face Perkins tonight.

4. Perkins (10-1)
The Pirates defeated St. Mary last Saturday and host Edison tonight in the battle of first place teams in the SBC.

5. Elyria (8-3)
Snapped its two-game losing streak with a win against Clearview on Tuesday. Hosts Brunswick tonight.

6. Lorain (7-3)
Lost to Shaker Heights last Saturday. Host Maple Heights tonight to try and stay unbeaten in LEL Erie play.

7. Avon (8-3)
Lost to Avon Lake Tuesday and hosts WSC opponent Bay tonight in a much-anticipated battle of first-place teams.

8. Bay (8-2)
Lost to Rocky River on Tuesday, will travel to take on Avon tonight.

9. Oberlin (7-2)
Beat Brookside last Friday. Travel to take on Black River tonight.

10. Norwalk (6-3)
Defeated Willard on the road in OT last Friday, host Fostoria tonight.

On the outside — Open Door (7-4), Huron (6-4), Vermilion (7-5), Clearview (5-5), North Ridgeville (5-5), Monroeville (5-5), Wellington (5-4), Sandusky (4-6), Keystone (5-6), Westlake (4-6)

Willoughby lights up Olmsted Falls

2011-01-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Friday night Ronnie Willoughby wanted to play well on his mother's birthday against Olmsted Falls, and boy did he.

In the Shoremen's 94-54 blowout over the Bulldogs, Willoughby scored a career-high and school-record 46 points. He made 17 field goals, including five 3-pointers. He also made seven free throws.

The 46 points is also the high in Lorain County this season, two more than Open Door's Abe Valentine, who scored 44 against Brookside last week.

Avon Lake is now 9-0 and 5-0 in the Southwestern Conference.

Avon 89, Firelands 38: The Eagles made short work of the Falcons jumping out to a 48-13 lead at halftime.

Claude Gray led the Eagles with 19 points.

The Eagles are now 8-2 and have a huge game at Avon Lake on Tuesday.

Oberlin 74, Brookside 60: The Phoenix continued their season of redemption as they built a big first lead and held on for the victory.

The Phoenix have already doubled their win total from last season (3) and are 4-1 in the Patriot Athletic Conference - Stripes Division.

Clearview 47, Keystone 42: The Clippers up-and-down continue as they came away with a big home victory.

Jacob Senquiz led the Clippers with 11 points, as Clearview improved to 5-4 overall and 4-1 in the PAC.

Medina 53, Elyria 42: The Pioneers couldn't overcome a six-point first quarter, as the Battling Bees led from start to finish.

After starting the season 7-1, the Pioneers have now lost two in a row and drop to 1-3 in the Northeast Ohio Conference - Valley Division.

Elyria is in the middle of a stretch where they play six of seven games on the road and the young Pioneers are struggling so far.

They'll look to bounce back against Clearview on Tuesday.

North Ridgeville 50, Vermilion 38: Danny Montgomery scored 29 points as the Rangers improved to 5-5 and 3-3 in the West Shore Conference.

Boys Basketball Power Poll through Jan. 14th

2011-01-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Here's the Morning Journal's Boys Basketball Power Poll according to Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Rios through January 14th.

The rankings are based on records, division and opponents faced. This week Avon Lake takes over the top spot after Elyria's lost to Garfield Heights. The Pioneers slipped to No. 5, while Avon dropped to No. 7 after its loss to Vermilion.

1. Avon Lake (8-0)
The Shoremen defeated Midpark last Friday 51-32, and are allowing just 41 ppg. They are on the road at Olmsted Falls tonight.

2. Western Reserve (8-1)
Defeated Mapleton and Norwalk last weekend and are top atop the Firelands Conference. The Roughriders host Plymouth tonight.

3. Edison (7-1)
Defeated SBC opponents Clyde and Huron last weekend and are tied for first in the conference. The Chargers host Plymouth on Saturday.

4. Perkins (9-1)
Beat Margaretta and Oak Harbor last weekend to remain tied with Edison in the SBC. The Pirates host St. Mary on Saturday.

5. Elyria (7-2)
Began a tough stretch of six of its next seven games on the road with a loss to Garfield Heights. Travel to Medina tonight.

6. Lorain (7-2)
Defeated Shaw last Friday and Sandusky on Tuesday. Host a tough Shaker Heights team on Saturday.

7. Avon (7-2)
Lost to Vermilion last Friday and beat Midview on Tuesday. On the road at Firelands tonight.

8. Oberlin (6-2)
Lost to Lutheran West on Friday and defeated Clearview on Tuesday. Host Brookside tonight.

9. Vermilion (6-4)
Defeated Avon last Friday and lost to Rocky River on Tuesday. Host West Shore Conference opponent North Ridgeville tonight.

10. Open Door (6-3)
Lost to Brookside in double OT. At Lake Center Christian tonight.

Boys Basketball Power Poll through Jan. 7th

2011-01-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

Here's the Morning Journal's Boys Basketball Power Poll according to Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Rios through January 7th.

The rankings are based on records, division and opponents faced.

1. Elyria (7-1)
The Pioneers won the LC Holiday Classic, then beat Lakewood on Tuesday. Elyria is on the road against Garfield Heights.

2. Avon Lake (7-0)
The Shoremen won the Brunswick Holiday Classic, then defeated Midview on Tuesday. Avon Lake host Midpark tonight.

3. Western Reserve (6-1)
The Roughriders look to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season to New London. Western Reserve host Firelands Conference opponent Mapelton tonight.

4. Avon (6-1)
The Eagles won their Holiday tournament for the first time in school history. Avon is on the road tonight to face Vermilion.

5. Edison (5-1)
The Chargers are tied atop the Sandusky Bay Conference and host Clyde tonight.

6. Perkins (7-1)
The Pirates have won three in a row after losing to the Chargers and are tied atop the SBC. Perkins host Margaretta tonight.

7. Lorain (5-2)
Titans went 1-1 in the LC Holiday Classic and host Lake Erie League opponent Shaw tonight.

8. Open Door (6-2)
The Patriots handed Oberlin its first loss of the season on Tuesday. They are on the road to face Brookside tonight.

9. Oberlin (5-1)
The Phoenix look to rebound from their loss to Open Door as they travel to face Lutheran West tonight.

10. Vermilion (5-3)
The Sailors beat Clearview on Tuesday and host Avon tonight.

Lorain Holiday Classic showcases great games

2011-01-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

For two days last week at Vermilion High School, fans who attended the 13th Annual Lorain Holiday Classic tournament got their money's worth.

The tournament, which was played on December 27-28, featured Vermilion, Lorain, Elyria and Sandusky.

Prior to the tournament Vermilion, Lorain and Elyria all came in with 4-1 records.

Day 1 of the tournament had two great games, with some great performances.

In the first game Lorain and Elyria battled each other into overtime, with the Pioneers coming out with 66-56 victory.

Sophomore guard Kody Bender led all scores with 24 points.

Both teams showed why they are considered a couple of the best teams in Lorain County.

I wouldn't be surprised if these teams meet down the road in the Division I district tournament, possibly for the district championship.

In the second game, an undersized Vermilion team pushed Sandusky to the limit, but fell 64-61.

Delon Roldon-Johnson gave the Blue Streaks a spark off the bench and finished with 18 points, 16 coming in the second half.

On Day 2, Sandusky and Elyria faced-off in the championship game.

The Pioneers were without senior Chase Farris, who missed the game to play in an All-Star football game.

Under-manned Elyria still found a way to defeat the Blue Streaks, 62-59, to win the tournament for a second year in a row.

Junior forward Brendan Dickerson led the Pioneers with 20 and 10 rebounds.

Elyria is now 6-1, and its only loss came against Strongsville by one point. The Pioneers are a very good rebounding team and have size and scoring.

Bender and Dickerson were both named to the All-Tournament team along with Lorain's Theron Nelson, Vermilion's Mitch Novak and Sandusky's Xavier Turner and Roldon-Johnson.

They should contend for the Northeast Ohio Conference title and have a top seed going into the district if healthy.

Titans win third in a row

2010-12-21T20:14:00.000-08:00

LORAIN - The Lorain Titans exercise some demons Tuesday night as they defeated Toledo St. Francis DeSales, 50-41.

The win was significant for the Titans, because it was their first home win. In their home-opener they blew a fourth quarter lead and lost to Euclid.

Lorain almost blew another fourth quarter lead, but Mike Davila scored 10 points in the final quarter to lead the Titans to victory.

Davila finished with a game-high 22, while A.J. Craighead and Tevvin Jones added nine apiece.

Elyria 73, Keystone 40: Brenden Dickerson led three Pioneers in double figures, as Elyria improved to 4-1 on the season.

Kody Bender and Chase Farris each had 14 for the Pioneers.

Elyria shot 44 percent from the field, 83 percent from the free throw line and committed just 12 turnovers.

Avon 62, Rocky River 45: The Eagles remained unbeaten in the West Shore conference as they handled the Pirates.

RJ Kauffman led all scores with 23 points, as the Eagles improved to 4-1 overall. Claude Gray had 14 and seven rebounds, while Marvin Coleman chipped in with 11 and seven boards.

Bay 56, Firelands 53: Connor Outcalt scored a team-high 13 points, including two 3-pointers as the Rockets got back on the winning track.

After a tough overtime loss to Vermilion, the Rockets found themselves trailing at halftime, but cameback and held on for the win and improved to 4-1 and 2-1 in the WSC.

Midview 45, Vermilion 42: The Middies erased a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit to pick up a WSC road victory and hand the Sailors their first loss of the season.

Riley Moore scored a team-high 12 points for the Middies improved to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the WSC.

Vermilion (4-1, 2-1) was led by Madison Montgomery who finished with a game-high 18 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

All Ohio Volleyball Selections

2010-11-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

ALL-OHIO
DIVISION I
First Team
Brittney Balser Magnificat 12
Christina Beer Ursuline Academy 12
Lexi Dannemiller Lakota West 12
Deme Morales Amherst Steele 12
Kori Moster Ursuline Academy 12
Dayna Roberts Olmsted Falls 12
Veronica Zimmerman Toledo St. Ursula Academy 12
Lindsey Zitzke Dublin Coffman 12
Second Team
Kristen Boros Elyria 12
Maggie Burnham Toledo St. Ursula Academy 12
Maggie Desrosiers North Canton Hoover 12
Lindsey Dinkelacker Mother of Mercy 11
Isolde Hannan Dublin Coffman 12
Kayce Krucki Findlay 10
Jena Moeller Cin. St. Ursula Academy 12
Michelle Strizak Mt. Notre Dame 10
Third Team
Nicole Bayer Painsville Riverside 12
Anna Carley Mason 11
Stephanie Gregory Lakota East 12
Arielle Love Maple Heights 12
Andrea Noe Olentangy Liberty 12
Alexis Plagens Strongsville 12
Meredith Stranges Dublin Coffman 12
Kelsey Wolf Mt. Notre Dame 11
Honorable Mention
Heather Adams Centerville 12
La-Tasha Samson Akpan Copley 12
Taylor Anderson Lakota West 12
Ashley Butler St. Joseph Academy 12
Cassidy Croci Toledo St. Ursula Academy 11
Cameron Dalpra Wooster 12
Rachel Eubanks Oak Hills 12
Nia Grant Howland 12
Halle Kearney Magnificat 12
Lauren Kraemer Kettering Fairmont 12
Janna Krafka Centerville 11
Noelle Langenkamp Ursuline Academy 11
Julia Mindlina Dublin Coffman 12
Anni Thomasson Newark 10
Jessica Wolfe Sycamore 12
Katie Zito Massilon Jackson 11

OHSVCA ALL-OHIO
DIVISION II
First Team
Brooke Betts Bishop Hartley 10
Megan Courtney Archbishop Alter 11
Ashley Galbraith Madison Comprehensive 11
Bridget Grdina Lake Catholic 12
Elaine Kelley Lakeview 12
Tabatha Piper Big Walnut 12
Makenzie Ripley Claymont 12
Megan Wendel Kenston 12
Second Team
Emily Ditmars West Holmes 11
Erin Dorsten Celina 12
Samantha Ebright Big Walnut 11
Kelly Kiger East Liverpool 11
Dawn Lingenfelter Hubbard 12
Betsy Schramm Marietta 12
Kelly Westerkamp Archbishop Alter 12
Brittany Woodard Southeast 12
Third Team
Lauren Hughes Bishop Hartley 12
Grace Kauth Chaminade-Julienne 10
Lauren Landsman Kenston 12
Laini Leindecker New Philadelphia 10
Hannah Mueller Field 12
Sam Mueller Buckeye 12
Olivia Neace River View 12
Chelsea Rohlfs Archbishop McNicholas 12
Honorable Mention
Hayley Benson Hilliard Bradley 12
Lexi Brewster Streetsboro 10
Madison Brown Washington Court House 12
Kyra Coundourides Walsh Jesuit 9
Maddie Flynn Indian Hills 12
Emily Fraik Wyoming 11
Elise Gastier Milan Edison 11
Casidy Gregory Keystone 12
Mariah Halleck Salem 12
Lori Inkrott Triway 11
Julie Lyons Dover 11
Chelsey Miller Canal Winchester 12
Sarah Mills Dover 11
Katie Primeau Eastwood 12
Marissa Radick Bay 12
Michele Twiggs Zanesville 12
Samantha Zuber Sparta Highland 11

OHSVCA ALL-OHIO
DIVISION III
First Team
Alexa Abrams Buckeye Trail 12
Alyssa Beck Bishop Fenwick 12
Emily Crowell Parkway 12
Taryn Graham Huron 12
Abby Litts Newark Catholic 12
Brittany Link Gilmour Academy 12
Erin Sekinger Bishop Ready 12
Shannon Watson Tuscarawas Valley 12
Second Team
Cadie Cory Adena 11
Olivia Higl Tuscarawas Valley 12
Jessica Levy Bishop Fenwick 12
Kayla Peterson West Liberty Salem 12
Hillary Plybon Orrville 12
Abby Riffee Mineral Ridge 11
Kelly Roberts Heath 12
Jordyn Ute Elgin 11
Third Team
Kelsey Bates Parkway 12
Kelsey Bielanow Adena 12
Jessi Hartzler Smithville 12
Cassie Hughes Bloom-Carroll 10
Anna McNeeley Elyria Catholic 12
Jenna Ruble Amanda-Clearcreek 12
Taylor Slauterbeck Huron 12
Meghann Wright Berkshire 12
Honorable Mention
Courtney Aldridge LaBrae 12
Lynsey Beros Buckeye Trail 10
Chelsea Byrge Bishop Fenwick 12
Olivia Cobb Westfall 10
Maria Cup Gilmour Academy 11
Gabbie Davis Tuscarawas Valley 12
Megan Fogt Anna 12
Amy Gosche Kansas Lakota 12
Mavis Groff Sandy Valley 12
Bryanna Jay Girard 11
Hillary Klingel Calendonia River Valley 12
Lauren Langenderfer Evergreen 11
Carly Miller Wheelersburg 12
Rachel Sell United 12
Tylyn Taylor Lima Central Catholic 11
Kayla Tedrick Ridgewood 11

OHSVCA ALL-OHIO
DIVISION IV
First Team
Alyse Bergman Marion Local 12
Erica Fullenkamp Minster 12
Katie Hoyng St. Henry 11
Millie Patchan Tuscarawas Central Catholic 12
Clair Ruhenkamp Fort Loramie 12
Corynne Smith Norwalk St. Paul 11
Jessica Thobe Lehman Catholic 12
Alyssa Winner Marion Local 12
Second Team
Rachel Adolph Van Buren 12
Heather De Velvis Jackson Center 12
Ashley Langjahr Buckeye Central 12
Courtney Rowe Eastern Beaver 12
Connie Schulte Pandora-Gilboa 12
Andrea Thobe Lehman Catholic 10
Emily Turnwald Kalida 12
Taylor Vail Antwerp 12
Third Team
Tessa Benanzer Fort Loramie 12
Jena Braden New Knoxville 12
Jessica Burger Convoy Crestview 12
Audrey Metzger Dalton 11
Libby Rahe Madison Christian 12
Ashley Rieman Leipsic 11
Delanie Wolf Minster 12
Margaret Wuebker Marion Local 11
Honorable Mention
Makayla Agin Buckeye Central 11
Noelle Amato Wellsville 11
Heather Darocha Lordstown 12
Hillary Fritz Norwalk St. Paul 12
Megan Fullenkamp Botkins 12
Maddie Griffiths Jackson-Milton 12
Kristyn Hovest Pandora-Gilboa 12
Kaitlyn Kremer St .Henry 12
Jamie Kluding Monroeville 11
Megan Lawless Tuscarawas Central Catholic 9
Eleanor “Ellie”Lemasters St. John’s Central 12
Olivia Livengood Norwalk St. Paul 10
Briana Neidig Tuscarawas Central Catholic 11
Leah Oliver Wynford 12
Sarah Parker Mohawk 10
Morgan Schmitmeyer Lehman Catholic 11
Rachel Staker Eastern Beaver 12
Dana Stucke Minster 11

OHSVCA COACH OF THE YEAR
Division I
Coach of the Year
Jen Case – Ursuline Academy
Coach’s Achievement Award
John Buck – Toledo St. Ursula Academy
Laurie Cogan – Amherst Steele
Tracey Kornau – Lakota West
Mary Anne Souder – Dublin Coffman
Division II
Coach of the Year
Dan Coughlin - Kenston
Coach’s Achievement Award
Tina Jasinowski – Archbishop Alter
Ron Kidder – Marietta
Ron Lehman – Big Walnut
Rich Severino – Lake Catholic
Robert Shansky – East Liverpool
Division III
Coach of the Year
Denell Gordon – Tuscarawas Valley
Coach’s Achievement Award
Kelly Coughlin – Gilmour Academy
Yoon Ha – Bishop Fenwick
Mike Kusan – Bishop Ready
Kory Ute - Elgin
Division IV
Coach of the Year
Amy Steininger – Marion Local
Coach’s Achievement Award
Eric Hoover – Mohawk
Nancy Miller – Norwalk St. Paul
Greg Snipes – Lehman Catholic
Mark Williams – Pandora-Gilboa

A few photos from Monroeville's stunning win over St. Paul

2010-11-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

Monroeville clinched a playoff spot with a 21-17 win over rival St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 30. Below are a few photos of the stunning win.

MORNING JOURNAL/KAREEM ELGAZZAR Monroeville Justin Jones intercepts a pass intended for St. Paul wide receiver Ian Welch during the 21-17 win against St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, at Marsh Field in Monroeville, Ohio.

MORNING JOURNAL/KAREEM ELGAZZAR Monroeville head coach Dan Periat, left, raises is arms in triumph and celebrates with his players and fans the 21-17 win against St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, at Marsh Field in Monroeville, Ohio. The win earned the Eagles a playoff spot.

MORNING JOURNAL/KAREEM ELGAZZAR Monroeville wide receiver Skylar Old catches a pass in front of three St. Paul defenders during the 21-17 win against St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, at Marsh Field in Monroeville, Ohio.

BOYS GOLF: Avon Lake finishes 12th at state

2010-10-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Their goal of finishing better than the 2005 state qualifying team didn't come true as the Avon Lake Shoremen finished in last place with a two-day total of 695.

Leading the team was sophomore Brendan Aussem, who shot a two-day total 165. Following Aussem was senior Collin Holmes with a two-day total of 167. Aussem finished in 35th place overall indivudally with Holmes finished in 37th place.

Aussem has led the Shoremen all season long, maintaining a team-best 76.375 average in 18-hole format competitions. He led the team at the Southwestern Conference Tournament with a 74, a 76 at Thunderbird Hills Golf Course during sectionals and a 74 at districts. The team qualified for state with a 314 at the district tournament behind Ashland’s 298.

Holmes maintained a 78 average in 18-hole formats and a team-best 36.375 nine-hole average throughout the season. Junior Andrew Lombardi has been contributing behind Aussem with solid scores as well, posting a 77 at districts and a 79 at sectionals.

The road to state was an impressive one for Avon Lake as it dominated all its dual matches and won five 18-hole competitions — The SWC preview and postseason contests and the Comet, North Olmsted and Port Clinton invitationals leading up to sectional and district play.

Playoff volleyball roundup

2010-10-19T20:19:00.001-07:00

D-I Volleyball
Sandusky defeated Ashland in four games to advance in the D-I Findlay District. The Blue Streaks won 14-25, 27-25, 25-23, 25-15 and will play Mansfield at 3 p.m. on Saturday for the sectional championship.
D-III Volleyball
The Wellington Dukes saw their season end with 25-11, 25-16, 25-17 loss to Villa Angela-St. Joseph in the D-III Elyria district. Brooklyn defeated Hillsdale in straight sets 25-15, 25-17, 25-9. The Hurricanes will play Elyria Catholic on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Elyria West gym.
New London defeated Ontario 25-12, 25-23, 25-12 to advance in the D-III Willard District. The Wildcats will play Bucyrus at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Port Clinton defeated Gibsonburg 25-14, 23-25, 25-14, 25-14. The Redskins will travel to Huron to take on the Tigers on Saturday at 3 p.m.
D-IV Volleyball
Open Door won the first two games against Trinity but lost the next three to lose in the first round of the D-IV Medina District. The Patriots fell 19-25, 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 15-12 to the Trojans. In the D-IV Willard District Plymouth beat Danbury 25-19, 25-23, 25-12.
The Big Red will travel to St. Paul to take on the Flyers on Saturday at 3 p.m. South Central defeated St. Mary in a very close five set match.
The Panthers rallied from two sets down to force a fifth set but fell 27-25, 26-24, 16-25, 21-25, 19-17. The Trojans will play Monroeville at 5 p.m. at St. Paul.

Playoff soccer round-up

2010-10-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Two overtimes were not enough to decided a winner between Wellington and host Lake Ridge. The score was still tied 1-1 when darkness interrupted the Division III district opening boys soccer game. The game will resume today at 4:30 p.m. at Lake Ridge Academy.The winner plays at Open Door on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Fairview 2, Vermilion 0: Fairview scored twice in the second half to defeat Vermilion 2-0 in the opening round of the D-II Rocky River District.
After a scoreless first half, Adrian Bendo and James Roland both scored for the Warriors who had 20 shots on goal compared to Vermilion’s seven.
Vermilion goal keeper Adrian Wilson had 18 saves while Fairview’s Kentaro Kimoto saved all seven he faced. Vermilion’s season ended at 5-9-3. Fairview (9-6-2) will play at Rocky River on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Buckeye 2, Firelands 0: The Bucks scored twice to end the Falcons season in the D-II Rocky River District game. Buckeye will travel to Elyria Catholic to play the Panthers on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Norwalk wins Northern Ohio League

2010-10-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

Norwalk won the Northern Ohio League volleyball championship outright with a 25-15, 24-26, 25-19, 25-21 win over Tiffin Columbian. Norwalk finished 13-1 in the NOL and is now 16-6 overall.

"I was very proud of them and the way we played," Norwalk head coach Angie Kalizewski said. "Tonight our seniors really stepped up and played great matches for the both of them. Both Lauren Schluchter and Taylor Blakely worked very hard tonight and did a great job. I could not be more excited about our win tonight and the overall NOL championship. As a first year coach you could not ask for anything more for a conference season. I am so proud of the girls and I have to give a big thanks to not only the coaching staff, parents and fans but also my own family! I could not do any of this without any of them. We are looking forward to a great post season and we have very high expectations. We will begin to prepare for Oak Harbor start tomorrow. This is the best time of the year and I can't wait to see what we are able to do."

Norwalk stats from Columbian Tiffin win
Sam Obringer- 16 of 18 with 5 aces, 23 of 24 for Serve Receive, 23 digs, and 34 of 41 attacks with 12 kills

Oakley Shane- 16 of 18 with 5 aces, 18 of 20 for Serve Receive, 25 of 27 attacks with 11 kills, 19 digs

Lindsey Ziemke- 12 of 13 with 2 aces, 23 of 26 attacks with 4 kills, and 10 digs

Kelli Weininger- 25 of 28 attacks with 13 kills and 6 blocks

Abby Moffit- 18 of 19 with 1 ace, 68 of 68 setting with 24 assists, 11 digs

McKenzie Hall- 12 of 12 with 1 ace, 48 of 49 with 11 assists, and 9 digs

Lauren Schluchter- 14 of 17 attacks with 7 kills

Mikailey- 7 of 8 with 1 ace, 13 of 15 Serve Receive, and 17 digs

Beccah Roth- 7 digs

Huron shares SBC with Edison and Margaretta

2010-10-15T15:09:00.001-07:00

The Huron volleyball program is once again champions of the Sandusky Bay Conference but this time the Tigers have to share. Edison and Margaretta finished with 12-2 records along with Huron. Huron beat Edison twice. Margaretta beat Huron twice and Edison beat Margaretta twice.

Late Saturday night soccer scores

2010-10-09T19:37:00.001-07:00

Some late soccer scores from Saturday.

Bay 0, Aurora 0: In battle of state ranked boys teams the number one ranked Bay played a scoreless tie with 10th ranked Aurora. Bay is now 11-0-3 and Aurora is 9-1-3. Bay sophomore goal keeper Koray Sayir and Aurora sophomore goal keeper Alex Depompei each had six saves.

Avon Lake 1, Magnificat 0: The Shoregals defeated the Blue Streaks on junior Jillian Strimbu's goal. Sophomore Megan Braye assisted on the goal off a free kick. Junior Dan Strimbu had seven saves. Magnificat goal keeper Amanda Copfer had two saves. Avon Lake is now 11-3-1 while Magnificat falls to 6-5-2.

Volleyball stat leaders

2010-10-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

Stats through Oct. 6

Kills
Deme Morales, Amherst 382
Kristen Boros, Elyria 294
Mikey Jackson-Smith, Lake Ridge 233
Shelby Obitts, Elyria 221
Emily Glor, Lake Ridge 214
Shanique Ogle, Lorain 209
Olivia Livengood, St. Paul 205
Olivia Held, New London 199
Arrianna Cumberledge, Midview 194
Zoe Gastier, Edison 191
Abbey Cox, Edison 185
Jeanine Musall, Brookside 185
Taylor Slauterbeck, Huron 179
Rachel Vick, Bay 177
Rachel Olach, Avon 176
Jordan Guidish, Lake Ridge 167
Maddie Engeler, St. Mary 166
Rachel Crow, North Ridgeville 159
Sam Obringer, Norwalk 157
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 151
Casidy Gregory, Keystone 148
Anna McNeeley, Elyria Catholic 142
Jasmine Comstiock, Clearview 142
Jessica Draime, St. Paul 137
Christina Brady, Avon 131
Kelsey Fortney, Clearview 128
Haley Ott, St. Paul 125
Kady Whitsel, Brookside 125
Marissa Radick, Bay 123
Emily Cunningham, Vermilion 122
Gabby Piwowar, Brookside 120
Sara Kaminski, Elyria Catholic 116
Brylie Schafer, Monroeville 114
Devon Koening, Huron 113
Jasmen Szuch, Lorain 112
Claire Wilson, Bay 112
Kaylee Koller, Amherst 109
Shayna Hunt, Clearview 109
Morgan Mastellone, Fireland 106
Kelli Weininger, Norwalk 105
Maison Mastellone, Firelands 104
Oakley Shane, Norwalk 103
Cara Croom, Sandusky 102
Kat Ferrell, Huron 101
Emily Nagy, Keystone 94
Susan Knight, Edison 91
Marissa Garcia, Elyria Catholic 90
Chelsea Frankboner, Edison 87
Lexi Schmidt, Westlake 87
Johanna Tolman, Westlake 86
Kayle Lurry, Lorain 86
Breanna Pulliam, Lorain 85
Capreece Irby, Sandusky 84
Danielle Donelan, Avon Lake 81
Jamie Gregory, Vermilion 80
Rehgan Avon, Elyria Catholic 79
Kelsey Wyant, Western Reserve 78
Kit O’Shaughnessy, Elyria Catholic 76
Briana Leham, North Ridgeville 73
Becca Conrad, Keystone 67
Paige O’Conell, Firelands 62
Megan Johnson, Keystone 57
Theresa Jackson, Wester Reserve 54
Jessica Lentz, North Ridgeville 50

Assists
Hillary Fritz, St. Paul 576
Shelby Regeic, Elyria 569
Kelsey Dombrowski, Midview 520
Bridget Doughty, Bay 514
Elise Gastier, Edison 508
Paige Matisak, Avon 502
Marissa Harned, Amherst 475
Tierra Thompson, Lorain 425
Katie Green, New London 359
Kate-Lynn Urgo, Vermilion 351
Cate Murphy, St. Mary 314
Samantha Wechter, Huron 300
Kady Whitsel, Brookside 297
Gabby Piwowar, Brookside 261
Kit O’Shaughnessy, Elyria Catholic 260
Ali Solet, Clearview 256
Heather Snyder, North Ridgeville 240
Jesse Moracz, Westlake 231
Sydney Grendow, Huron 228
Katie Kim, Avon Lake 213
Sara Sidoti, Sandusky 210
Alex Miller, Monroeville 204
Jessica Jewett, Keystone 196
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 189
Rachel Bansek, Firelands 166
Ashten Robson, Western Reserve 148
Kelsey Fortney, Clearview 146
Kaitie Borges, North Ridgeville 145
Casey Morrissette, Firelands 137
Rachel Pronesti, Elyria Catholic 130
Megan Walker, Keystone 118

Digs
Taryn Graham, Huron 350
Lauren Teed, Edison 327
Corynne Smith, St. Paul 320
Madi Matisak, Avon 260
Bridget Murphy, St. Mary 256
Sam Obringer, Norwalk 251
Kristen Boros, Elyria 231
Angela Bayus, Midview 225
Claire Wilson, Bay 211
Deme Morales, Amherst 205
Morgan Madera, Amherst 201
Gabby Piwowar, Brookside 199
Kiki Williams, Keystone 198
Carrie Scaniello, Bay 197
Jamie Gregory, Vermilion 194
Zoe Gastier, Edison 194
Mikailey Rogers, Norwalk 193
Alanna Williams, Elyria 192
Taylor Slauterbeck, Huron 187
Shelby Regeic 185
Haley Ott, St. Paul 184
Ashley Prince, Avon Lake 171
Kaylee Koller, Amherst 167
Emily Woody, Firelands 166
Susan Knight, Edison 165
Kady Whitsel, Brookside 164
Casidy Gregory, Keystone 161
Paige Pileski, Elyria 158
Janessa Kipp, New London 153
Abbey Cox, Edison 159
Christina Brady, Avon 147
Rachael Bolmeyer, Clearview 147
Morgan Mastellone, Firelands 144
Olivia Smith, Monroeville 140
Chrissy Garner, Western Reserve 134
Quinneesha Redding, Sandusky 124
Megan Johnson, Keystone 123
Jenny Price, Vermilion 123
Nikki Dyke, Vermilion 117
Shelby Obitts, Elyria 117
Laura Campbell, Westlake 115
Morgan Studd, Western Reserve 109
Erika Rivera, Lorain 105
Kimly Pham, North Ridgeville 104
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 103
Kelsey Wyant, Western Reserve 101
Sara Kaminski, Elyria Catholic 100
Abby Rositano, Amherst 100
Anna McNeeley, Elyria 95
Jessica Lentz, North Ridgeville 92

Blocks
Racel Olach, Avon 101
Shanique Ogle, Lorain 87
Bridget Durham, Bay 85
Stephanie Griffith, Firelands 79
Whitney Craigo, Avon Lake 78
Mikey Jackson-Smith, Lake Ridge 66
Deme Morales, Amherst 63
Kelli Weininger, Norwalk 55
Brittany Leininger, Midview 53
Mallory Nagy, Keystone 52
Lexi Schmidt, Westlake 50
Jeanine Musall, Brookside 49
Korey Middlebrooks, Elyria 48
Olivia Livengood, St. Paul 47
Emily Nagy, Keystone 46
Marissa Garcia, Elyria Catholic 45
Heather Younkin, Clearview 41
Carmen Tinnel, Edison 40
Devon Koenig, Huron 39
Mallory Sliman, Amherst 37
Maddie Engeler, St. Mary 35
Sara Santos, Clearview 34
Theresa Jackson, Western Reserve 34
Chelsea Frankboner, Edison 32
Mallory Morris, Vermilion 30
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 30
Abbey Cox, Edison 29
Brooke Barnett, Monroeville 26
Marissa Harned, Amherst 25
Lexi Ley, Norwalk 25
Alyssa Stechow, Keystone 24

Aces
Deme Morales, Amherst 73
Brooke Barnett, Monroeville 52
Kit O’Shaughnessy, Elyria Catholic 48
Christina Brady, Avon 47
Kelsey Fortney, Clearview 47
Jasmen Szuch, Lorain 46
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 45
Page Pileski, Elyria 43
Sara Kaminski, Elyria Catholic 43
Michalea Brown, New London 41
Kristen Boros, Elyria 39
Corynne Smith, St. Paul 37
Paige Matisak, Avon 36
Katie Heck, Monroeville 36
Sam Obringer, Norwalk 36
Briana Lehman, North Ridgeville 35
Jorden Edinger, St. Amry 33
Brylie Schafer, Monroeville 32
Kady Whitsel, Brookside 32
Katie Koller, Amherst 31
Capreece Irby, Sandusky 31
Gabby Piwowar, Brookside 30
Rachel Vick, Bay 29
Casidy Gregory, Keystone 29
Heather Gruhlke, Sandusky 29
Katlyn Sommer, Huron 28
Elise Gastier, Edison 27
Katarina Kovach, North Ridgeville 27
Ali Solet, Clearview 27
Morgan Studd, Western Reserve 27
Chelsea Frankboner, Edison 26
Kate-Lynn Urgo, Vermilion 25
Sydney Virgin, Vermilion 25
Terra Soto, Lake Ridge 23
Carli Patrick, Western Reserve 23
Kiki Williams, Keystone 22
Megan Johnson, Keystone 21
Oakley Shane, Norwalk 20
Emily Nagy, Keystone 20
Grace Samenuk, Westlake 20
Rachel Pronesti, Elyria Catholic 20
Brooke Dungan, Elyria Catholic 19
Abby Moffit, Norwalk 19
Allie Dumski, Elyria Catholic 14
Anna McNeeley, Elyria Catholic 14
Marissa Harned, Amherst 14
Isabelle Wagner, Avon Lake 13
Abby Rositano, Amherst 13

Boys Golf: Norwalk, Avon Lake and Amherst advance to districts

2010-10-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

hree local schools and three other individuals survived the rigors of the Thunderbird Hills Golf course Wednesday to advance to the Division I district golf tournament next Wednesday at Red Hawk Run in Findlay.
Ashland dominated the sectional tournament. The Arrows combined to shoot a 299 which was 16 strokes better than second place Fremont Ross. Ashland’s Keith Brooks and Stephen Sinchok tied for the round’s lowest score with 71s.
The top five teams and top five individuals not on those five teams also qualified for the district tournament. Avon Lake was third with 317, Norwalk was fourth with 330 and Amherst was fifth with a 333 — which was one stroke better than Bowling Green.
Three of the five individual spots were earned by local golfers. Lexington’s Jake Houston picked up the first individual spot with a 74. North Ridgeville senior Mitch Clark, Sandusky junior Taylor Wolf and Elyria junior Roman King each shot a 79 to advance. All three shot identical 38s on the front nine and 41s on the back.
The back nine was fight for many of the golfers on the day. Only five golfers on the day shot in the 30s on the back nine with most golfers in the high 40s and 50s.
Avon Lake struggled on the day but the Shoremen were good enough to advance.
"It wasn’t our best golf of the season," Avon Lake head coach Amy Manco said. "Despite a bad day we still qualified for the next step. We are happy for that next step but not with individual scores. We have stressed ‘team’ all year and they picked each other up."
Sophomore Brendan Aussem led the Shoremen with a 76.
Norwalk head coach Wes Douglas knew for his team to advance it would be in the fourth or fifth spot.
"It was a very good day for us," Douglas said. "I told the guys that 330 was the mark that usually got through. It was not a pretty day but the guys battled and stayed with it."
Junior Dustin Lieber shot a 40 on the back nine and a 39 on the front.
"Dustin was methodical," Douglas said. "He had only two birdies but no double bogeys."
Norwalk’s Logan Schullick started the day on the 10th hole. He was four over after that hole but rebounded to shoot a 80.
"So he played the final 17 at four over," Douglas said. "That shows physical and mental strength."
Douglas said the main reason the Truckers advanced was thanks to "Grandpa."
Karson Schaechterle is Norwalk’s fifth golfer.
"He is real unassuming," Douglas said. "We call him Grandpa because he is real steady. He dropped four strokes today and that was the difference between us making it and not. The first four have carried us all year without much help. Everyone is really proud and happy for Karson.
Amherst coach Aaron Millet said his team had this tournament circled on the calender.
"We were middle of the pack in the SWC," Millet said. "I told them every year a team in 330s makes it out. I told them that we don’t have a dominate golfer but I have five who can shoot low 80s. We put all our eggs in this basket. I told them we could advance if they did what they were capable of doing. They took the challenge and pulled it off."
Caleb started on the back nine and struggled. He came through with a 36 on the front nine.
"Caleb hung in there," Millet said. "That was the difference as we advanced by one stroke."
Amherst’s fifth golfer is freshman Mike Campana. His 82 played a big role as well.
"Mike is like 13," Millet said, "He has been a nice addition to the team. His 82 was my second lowest on the day."

Game rescheduled

2010-10-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

Wednesday's boys Southwestern Conference game of North Olmsted at Amherst was postponed because of field conditions.

The game has been rescheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m.

Volleyball poll

2010-10-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association week four poll is out. Amherst is now ranked second in D-I. The Comets had two first place votes and trail only Ursulne Academy. Elyria is ranked 11th and travels to 13th Strongsville tonight.

In D-II, Bay is ranked 13th while Edison is ranked 19th.

In D-III, Huron is eighth and Elyria Catholic is 20th.

In D-IV, St. Paul is ranked seventh.

Morales honored nationally

2010-10-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Amherst senior Deme Morales was named the Under Armour National Player of the week. Morales, a Wisconsin commit, is a 5-foot-7 senior middle hitter. She had 34 kills, 13 aces, six blocks, 18 digs and 18 receptions in six games last week. She already been named the AVCA player of the week in Ohio twice this season, was the SWC MVP last season and has previously earned 1st and 2nd team All-Ohio awards.

Elyria overpowers Lorain High, 8-2

2010-10-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Elyria controlled and passed the ball much better than Lorain High in a 8-2 home victory on Monday afternoon.

Elyria's aggressive attack resulted in a 16-3 advantage in shots on goal over the Titans. Senior Ryan Kaplan and junior Bryce Ziegman and freshman Isaiah Walton had two goals each. Junior Connor Mariner and senior Brendan Centeno each added one.

On defense, the Pioneers only allowed five total shots, and goalkeeper Cedric Holt only had to make two saves. The Titans' defense was slow to react to runs made by the Pioneers, resulting in numerous fast breaks. Lorain did draw Elyria offsides and astounding 13 times in the game.

Elyria started and ended both halves strongly, scoring the final three goals in each. The Pioneers led 5-1 after the first 40 minutes.

Elyria improved its record to 7-5 and take on Garfield Heights at home on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Bay boys golf advances

2010-09-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

The Bays boys golf team finished third with a team score of 320 at the OHSAA Sectional Golf tournament held at Forest Hills Golf Course.
The Rockets finished the regular season with a record of 13-2 and will now play next Tuesday at the Windmill Lakes Golf Course in Ravenna, Ohio for the District Tournament for the third straight year.
Junior Jack Eifel shot the low round of the tournament with a par 70. Senior John Urwin shot a 79. Others scoring for Bay were senior Jake Wochna (85), junior Andrew Cooper (86) and junior Scotty Guether (87).
The Rockets are coached by Rick Manderine.
Buckeye finished first with at team score of 315. Lutheran West was second with a team score of 319. Other local schools were Firelands in 8th place with 348, Vermilion in 12th with 363, Wellington in 14th with 366, Keystone in 16th with 382.

Girls Soccer: Shoregals capture first SWC title

2010-09-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

For the first time in school history, the Avon Lake girls soccer squad captured its first Southwestern Conference title with a resounding 4-3 victory.
Behind Emily O'Conner's hat-trick performance, the Shoregals scored three goals in the second half after the game was tied 1-1 at halftime. The Avon Lake freshman helped bring home her team’s first conference title.
Emily O’Conner set up for a shot about 25 yards out from the right side and ripped a shot that carried to the upper-left 90 past goalie Sarah Loeser to cut the North Olmsted lead to 3-2 for her first goal of the night.
O’Conner’s second goal came off a beauty of a set-play when senior Morgan Srail went head-over-heels on the thrown-in from the 20-yard line and found O’Conner in front of the net.
O’Conner let the ball skip off the back of her head and off the far post with 18:43 left in the game to knot the score at 3-3 giving the Shoregals new life in their conference quest.
With 15:10 remaining in the game, O'Conner clinched the conference title with the game-winner.

SBC Boys Golf

2010-09-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Clyde had the best regular season conference record and won the SBC tournament. St Mary tied with Port Clinton for the second best regular season record but had a higher finish in the SBC tournament to take second.

Both Derek Kuns of Margaretta and Jared Ebert of St. Mary were named to their third All-SBC team. Nate Foss of Perkins made the team for the second time.

2010 SBC Boys Golf
Final Standings
Teams — 1. Clyde (12-2,1st in Tournament), 2. St. Mary (11-3, 2nd), 3. Port Clinton (11-3, 3rd), 4. Perkins (9-5, 4th), 5. Margaretta (6-8, 7th), 6. Huron (4-10,6th), 7. Edison (3-11, 5th), 8. Oak Harbor (0-14, 8th).
1st team SBC — 1. Derek Kuns, Margaretta, 2. Jared Ebert, St. Mary, 3. Tyler Smith Margaretta, 4. Nate Foss, Perkins, 5. Garret Ruppert, Clyde, 6. Issac DelGarbino, Clyde.
2nd team SBC — 7. Evan Slattery, St.Mary, 8. Kevin Hiller, Port Clinton, 9. Luke Hohenstein, Clyde, 10. Keegan Bollenbacher, Huron, 11. Alex Viery, Port Clinton, 12. Joey Kurtz, Port Clinton
Honorable Mention SBC — Aaron Missler, Clyde; Zach Pittenger, Edison; Brandon Johnson, Huron; Chris Stratton, Margaretta; Matt Shiffert, Oak Harbor; Tyler Brownell, Perkins; Jason Mueller, Port Clinton; Collin Ebert, St. Mary.

Shoregal Cross Country

2010-09-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Avon Lake Cross Country team placed 11th at the 25 team Strongsville Second Sole Invitational. Junior Katy Link was 16th overall with a time of 19:14. Other Shoregal runners included Sophomore Annie Wennerberg (19:51), freshman Jessica Lambert (20:07), junior Maddie Furrer (20:18), junior Kristin Kenny (21:36), senior Halle Herzog (21:49) and junior Jane Duskey (21:58).

Volleyball stats

2010-09-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Due to an error, Brookside's stats were left out of Friday's edge.

Here are volleyball stat leaders for the area:

Assists
Paige Matisak, Avon 347
Bridget Doughty, Bay 343
Hillary Fritz, St. Paul 339
Shelby Regiec, Elyria 290
Katie Green, New London 271
Katie Kim, Avon Lake 176
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 171
Kady Whitsel, Brookside 162
Jessica Jewett, Keystone 152
Gabby Piwowar, Brookside 142
Kate-Lynn Urgo, Vermilon 135
Rachel Bansek, Fireland 119
Megan Walker, Keystone 100

Kills
Katie Kim, Avon Lake 176
Olivia Held, New London 148
Kristen Boros, Elyria 141
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 138
Rachel Olach, Avon 130
Rachel Vick, Bay 124
Olivia Livengood, St. Paul 118
Shelby Obitts, Elyria 110
Casidy Gregory, Keystone 101
Jeanine Musall, Brookside 100
Michelle Brown, New London 77
Gabby Piwowar, Brookside 72
Emily Nagy, Keystone 70
Morgan Mastellone, Firelands 67
Kady Whitsel, Brookside 61
Whitney Craigo, Avon Lakke 52
Isabelle Wagner, Avon Lake 51

Aces
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 40
Christina Brady, Avon 31
Michalea Brown, New London 30
Kady Whitsel, Brookside 24
Casidy Gregory, Keystone 23
Clarie Wilson, Bay 17
Gabby Piwowar, Brookside 16
Morgan Mastellone, Firelands 15
Katie Kim, Avon Lake 15
Isabelle Wagner, Avon Lake 15
Olivia Smith, Monroeville 12
Megan Walker, Keystone 12
Kiki Williams, Keystone 12
Emily Nagy, Keystone 12
Gabby Woods, Brookside 12
Kendyl O’Neal, Brookside 12
Megan Johnson, Keystone 11

Total blocks
Stephanie Griffith, Firelands 79
Rachel Vick, Bay 70
Rachel Olach, Avon 61
Paige O’Connell, Firelands 58
Emily Nagy, Keystone 39
Jamie Kluding, Monroeville 30

Solo blocks
Rachel Vick, Bay 34
Emily Nagy, Keystone 20
Katie Mihalik, Avon Lake 19
Rachel Olach, Avon 7

Digs
Madi Matisak, Avon 196
Corynne Smith, St. Paul 192
Kiki Williams, Keystone 155
Casidy Gregory, Keystone 127
Gabby Piwowar, Brookside 127
Ashley Price, Avon Lake 110
Claire Wilson, Bay 105
Janessa Kipp, New London 104
Megan Johnson, Keystone 96
Kristen Boros, Elyria 96
Kady Whitsel, Brookside 91
Alanna Williams, Elyria 90
Emily Woody, Firelands 84
Jamie Gregory, Vermilion 67

Lorain to host both sectional and district wrestling

2010-09-25T11:03:00.001-07:00

The Lorain High wrestling program has started open mats and weight training. Over 50 young men participated in at an open mat early this week. It is the first step as the young men seek to be the first wrestlers from the new Lorain High to advance to the state tournament the first weekend of March.

For those seeking to make the trip to Columbus, they won’t have to travel far to get there as Lorain High has been selected to host both the D-I sectional and district wrestling tournament in 2011. Southview has hosted the sectional tournament for several years but now Titan wrestlers will have the advantage of home cooking for both meets that lead to the state tournament.

“It is great for the city of Lorain and the program,” Lorain head wrestling coach Billy Kopp said. “We are coming together as the new Lorain High and now to have the districts in our hometown is huge.”

The sectional tournament will be held between Feb. 14-19 with the district tournament to take place the following week.

Rangers come to life; Elyria drops Eagles

2010-09-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

NORTH RIDGEVILLE — The Rangers from North Ridgeville outdueled the Rangers from Lakewood, 42-28 Friday night in non-conference action.
The game was closer than the final score shows as North Ridgeville sealed the game in the fourth quarter.
North Ridgeville improved to 1-1 and will travel to Lodi to take on Cloverleaf next Friday.

Elyria 10, North Olmsted 6: The Pioneers had the Eagles’ number for the second-straight season as Elyria won its first game of the year, defeating North Olmsted to hand the Eagles their first loss.
Elyria is now 1-1 and will host Elyria Catholic next Friday. North Olmsted fell to 1-1 and will travel to Lakewood next Friday.

Westlake 14, Bay 6: The Demons defense stayed tough, allowing just six points to the Rocket after last week’s shutout over North Ridgeville.
Westlake improved to 2-0, while Bay dropped to 0-2. Westlake will play at Rocky River next week, while Bay travels to Lake County to play Kirtland.

Keystone 42, Chippewa 20: The Wildcats didn’t need 62 points as last year’s 62-56 shootout win between the two schools, but they did put up 42 points, taking it to the Chipps in Wayne County. In just two games against Chippewa, Keystone has scored 106 points.
Keystone evened its mark at 1-1 going into next week’s game at Firelands. Chippewa fell to 0-2.

Rittman 33, Brookside 14: The Indians were too much for the Cardinals as Rittman came in and spoiled Brookside’s home-field advantage.
Rittman improved to 2-0, while Brookside dropped to 1-1. Brookside will host Toledo Woodward next Friday.

Columbia 41, South Central 14: The Raiders nabbed their first win of the season, routing the Trojans from Greenwich on their home field.
Columbia improved to 1-1, while South Central fell to 0-2. Columbia will travel to Geauga County to play Newbury next Friday.

Huron 40, Norwalk 20: The Tigers handled the Truckers with ease, routing Norwalk in the last time these schools will play each other.
Huron improved to 2-0, while Norwalk dropped to 0-2.
Huron will play the other Norwalk team — defending state champions St. Paul next Friday. Norwalk travels to play Perkins.

Western Reserve 42, Margaretta 12: The Roughriders turned up the heat in the second half, scoring most of their points in a 30-point rout of the Polar Bears.
Western Reserve improved to 2-0 and will play at Creston Norwayne next Friday.

McDonald 35, Oberlin 6: The Phoenix dropped their second-straight game on the road, falling to the Blue Devils in Trumbull County.
Oberlin (0-2) will host Akron Kenmore next Friday in its home opener. McDonald improved to 2-0.

Edison-Huron volleyball

2010-08-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Once again Edison and Huron opened the volleyball season and the teams did not disappoint -- playing in front of a loud and energetic crowd.

The game went to a fifth set and Edison had two game points but Huron rallied and won 25-17, 17-25, 25-19, 23-25 and 18-16.

Both coaches admitted they would rather play later in the year but girls get excited for the opening match and it gives them something to work towards in the preseason.

Lorain High and Clearview ready for football

2010-08-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

The 2010 football season is officially underway, which means teams all over the state have started two-a-days.
On Monday, I made stops at a couple of camps to see how the football players at Lorain High and Clearview felt about getting back on the gridiron.
My first stop was at George Daniel Field, where I spoke Lorain High Titan seniors Tevvin Jones and Amon Willis about coach Todd Auvil's three-a-days.
Jones, who plays running back and corner back, said he made sure.
"I was used to doing two-a-days, so this whole new three-a-days thing is new to me," Jones said. "We get breaks, so it's not that bad."
Jones said he trys to stay activate and hydrated during the team's break.
Willis, who plays defensive end, said he thinks having three-a-days will be good for the team. Willis added that the workouts are going to get tougher, but said he's ready for it.
"It's all a mental thing," Willis said. "You can't let the heat get to your head. If your mind stays strong then you'll stay strong."
My next stop was to Tom Hoch Field in Sheffield Township, where I talked to Clearview Clipper seniors Cody Kaya, Davon Daniels and Tyler Mielcarek.
Kaya, who plays linebacker, said he liked what he saw from the team on the first day.
"Our team is looking pretty good, we're all a little tired but we'll get into shape," Kaya said. "It's fun to look forward to this because football officially starts today."
Daniels, who plans to compete for the quarterback position and play linebacker, said he felt pretty good after the team's first two-a-day.
"I don't think there anything really difficult for me," Daniels said. "I love it, so I don't sweat anything.
"I just don't want to over-sleep and show up late because coach Collier will run me."

Area athletes succeed at state track meet

2010-06-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

The 2010 OHSAA Track and Field Championships, held at Jesse Memorial Stadium on June 4-5, in Columbus turned out to be a pretty successful for a few of our area athletes.
On Day 1, Keystone senior Corry Sprouse shocked a lot of people, including myself by winning the boys high jump competition in Division II.
I wasn't shocked because I didn't think he was capable of winning. I was shocked because it was the first time that Sprouse, who will play football for Notre Dame College, participated on the track team.
He ended up winning with a jump of 22 feet, 9 inches, narrowly defeating Edison senior Brady Gelvin, who jumped 22-8 1/2.
The fact that Sprouse won a state title in his first year of track was a pretty amazing feat for anyone.
Day 1 also saw the end of Perkins senior Matt Hoty's reign as shot put champion. Hoty, who will attend the University of Tennessee, came in as the two-time Division II champion and was defeated by Pemberville senior Justin Welch.
Hoty threw a record distance of 62-9 3/4, but Welch threw a 62-11 3/4 on the final throw of the day to win the title.
Hoty had to battle a fractured right wrist during the season, which might played a part why he didn't win for a third consecutive time.
Regardless, two first place and a second place finish at state is still a very impressive accomplishment for Hoty.
Day 2 at the state track meet belong to the Southview Saints.
The school had three state placers in Division I in their final appearance as a high school. Next year Southview and Admiral King will join forces to form the Lorain High Titans.
The highest finisher for the Saints was sophomore Christian Nogueras, who took third in the long jump with a distance of 22-9 3/4.
Sophomore Melody Farris finished fifth in 100 hurdles with a school record time of 43.91, while junior Shanique Ogle took sixth place in the shot put with a throw of 40-11.
Southview might be gone, but those athletes will always have those memories forever.
Lorain County got its second state champion of the weekend from Elyria Catholic senior Marty Coolidge.
Coolidge won the 3200 with a time of 9:03.11, which set the record at Owens Stadium, defeating Bay junior Michael Brajdic.
The victory was a long time coming for Coolidge, who finished third in 2008 and second in 2009 in the 3200.
Other notable placers were Vermilion sophomore Emily Cunningham, who took second in the 200 with a time of 24.93 and fifth in the 100. It was Cunningham's second trip in a row to the state track meet.
Edison's 400 relay of Seth Battle, Dylan Howard, Gelvin and Mike Yost almost came home with the gold.
The Chargers ran 42.58 but lost to Columbus Bishop Hartley, who finished first with a time of 42.57. The race was the most exciting of the weekend, unfortunately Edison fell a little short.
Overall the weekend went well. It was a long couple of days, but I got to watch some very special athletes give some very special performances on the biggest stage of the track season.

Softball allstar rosters

2010-06-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

In one of the best kept secrets in Lorain County. The Lorain County High School Coaches Association All-Star game will take place at Sliman Field in Amherst at 5:30 p.m.

Here are the probable rosters:
Jen Solanics, Courtney Traut, Rachel Bican, Emily Nagle (Columbia)
Kaity Millennium (Avon Lake)
Jessica Sand, Bianca Sanchez, Sarah Novotny (Amherst)
Ashlee Stolarski (Elyria)
Samantha Dillon (Vermilion)
Emily Thompson, Bridget Walsh (EC)
Allyson Czarney, Adrienne Ward (Clearview)
Haley Gall (N Ridgeville)
Shanel Melendez (Southview)

Team II
Megan Auble, Melissa Rennie, Jackie Bankston, Shelby Monschein (Wellington)
Nicole Myers, Teresa Davis (Firelands)
Dawn Ondercin, Kyleigh Whitesel (Brookside)
Amari Foster, Sarah Andrews, Nicole Isabell (Oberlin)
Jessica DiOrio (Lake Ridge)
Becky Nielsen, Taylor Kessinger, Kim Kokoski, Ronda Yeager(Keystone)
Anna Britvec, Jasmine Myrick, Asia Chisholm (Admiral King)

Keystone can hit too

2010-05-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

You can read about the Keystone pitching this week's Edge. The Wildcats also can hit 1 through 9 in the lineup. Nine players all with over 30 at bats are hitting over .300. The team batting average is .346 with combined 39 doubles, 20 triples and 12 home runs. Sophomore shortstop Erin Pond is hitting .453 with 30 RBI and 29 runs scored. She is a leadoff hitter with power as she has nine doubles, three triples and three home runs. Brittany Bowers is hitting .455. Conrad is hitting .410 with 24 RBI and four doubles, three triples and three home runs. Senior catcher Taylor Kessinger has four triples to go with five doubles. Alisha Silva is hitting .410 and Becky Nielsen is hitting .405. Everyone at the team with at least 35 plate appearance is hitting above .280.

“Hitting is something we worked on really hard in the offseason,” Piazza said. “We have really come on strong with production one through nine in the lineup.”

Demons win SWC softball title

2010-05-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Westlake (17-9) won the SWC with a 10-4 record. Amherst, North Olmsted and Olmsted Falls all tied for second with five losses.

“It was very balanced this season,” Westlake head coach Tom Shiban said. “Top to bottom it was really competitive. We pitched well and played pretty good defense. We had a lot of contributors. The girls did a great job being unselfish. It was a team effort.”

Jesse Moracz was 12-7 with a 2.78 ERA as the team’s top pitcher. Abbie Tetzlaff lead the team with a .427 batting average, 23 runs scored and 30 stolen bases. Hanna Kopack is leading the team with 24 RBI and 13 doubles. Demons had a big years from Erin Thomas (.373), Kelly Matousek (.369) and Julia Kosco (.351) with 19 runs scored and batted in.

Rockets on a roll

2010-05-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Bay Rockets (11-15, 7-6) won four games in row with the post seaso about to start. With a win, bay would finish second in the West Shore Conference. Sarah Balach leads the team with a .310 average and 13 RBI. Meghan Kevesdy leads the team in wins (7) and strikeouts (135).

"We played a very difficult non-conference schedule this year with most games against DI schools," head coach Shannon Andrews said. "It was a struggle early on to get the girls to believe in there abilities and that just because we lost doesn't mean we are a bad team. (We were playing teams that have girls that have been playing softball year round at a high level since they were 7-8 years old. It is finally changing in Bay, more and more girls are playing over the summer on travel teams, etc... ) They started to realize that they were in control of their own destiny and when we matched up with the teams in our conference we were more experienced against some high level softball. At the turn of the conference we started off losing 5-3 to Midview and 5-2 to Vermilion. After that weekend we made it a goal to not lose another conference game, so far so good!

"The girls peaked at the right time of the season. It is not just 1 or 2 players everyone has accepted their role and it is whatever is best for the team. They truly enjoy being together and that makes things alot easier for a coach. We took a trip down to the Cincinnati area this spring break and that served as a big team bonding experience. Played some good teams down there, Lakota East, Lakota West and Kings."

Clearview baseball captures PAC championship

2010-05-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

ROCKY RIVER - The Clearview Clippers used a two-out rally in the top of the fifth inning on Wednesday to beat Lutheran West 8-7.

The win clinched the Clippers (16-8, 10-2) first-ever Patriot Athletic Conference - Stripes Division title.

It also adds to the accomplishments from the boys athletic program.

The Clippers made it a clean sweep in the major sports for the 2009-10 season.

They won the PAC title in football, basketball and now baseball.

That's a pretty impressive accomplishment for any school at any level of competition. So congratulations to all the players and coaches at Clearview High School.

They should be proud of themselves, and their fans should be very proud of them too.

Softball roundup for Friday

2010-04-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

Elyria 2, Bartlett 1: Kristen Boros got a Bartlett, Illinois batter to fly to left with the bases load in the bottom of the seventh as the Pioneers won their opening game of the Wendy's Classic in Ashland. Elyria scored one in the first and Cynthia Woodward homered in the fourth.
Oberlin 10, Clearview 0: Whitney Corsaro pitched a no hitter topick up her second win of the season. Oberlin improved to 3-1 in the PAC Stripes and 9-2 overall. Amelia Reid had 3 hits.
Keystone 6, Buckeye 0: The Wildcats were led by Kenzie Conrad who struck 13 and allowed just two hits.

Prep Roundup 4/16

2010-04-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Open Door 5, Brookside 4: Open Door rallied with two runs in the seventh to defeat Brookside 5-4. Micah Stoneburner led off the seventh with a triple to left field knocking Brookside starting pitcher Brandon Uehlein out of the game. Stoneburner scored on a wild pitch to tie the game. Andrew Mislinski walked and advanced to third on two wild pitches. The next two Open Door hitters struck out but Preston Phillips blooped a hit that the second baseman could not come up with allowing the winning run to score. Kris Hudson went the distance for the win.
Norwalk 7 Shelby 6: The Truckers trailed 6-1 in the fourth when Norwalk head coach Wes Douglas turned to pitcher Kyle Lieber.
“He held them scoreless the rest of the game,” Douglas said. “He shut the door and did a great job.”
Lieber gave his team a chance to come back. Down 6-5 to start the bottom of the seventh, Logan Schullick reached base on a bunt single, his third hit of the day. Matt McGue followed with a double to tie the game. A sacrifice bunt was sandwiched between a pair of intentional walks loading the bases with one out. Johnny Wilcox hit a sac fly for the game winner.
Clearview 6, Brooklyn 5: The Clippers trailed 3-0 but tied it with three in the bottom of the sixth. Brooklyn responded by scoring two in top of the seventh. Clearview then rallied for three more in the bottom of the seventh to remain undefeated in the PAC Stripes division. Ian Mezlek had three hits and Dom Dominguez picked up the win.
Amherst 10, Brecksville 5: The Comets banged out 13 hits to hand the Bees their first loss of the season. Austin Walts, Marcus Rivera and Connor Weir all homered for the Comets. Kyle Hagerich won his first game of the year. Amherst is now 9-5 and 5-0 in SWC while Brecksville is now 8-1, 3-1.
Vermilion 9, Midview 3: The Sailors remained undefeated in the WSC. Cory Fox improved to 3-0 on the season as Vermilion got three hits from Madison Montgomery and two each from Mitch Novak, Cory Fox and Cameron Zima.
Softball
Amherst 8, Midpark 0: Jessica Sand improved to 3-0 scattering 3 hits as the Comets improved to 8-2 and 2-1. Sarah Novotny and Amanda Arendt each had two hits and double.
Westlake 10, Brecksville 5: The Demons remained undefeated in the SWC thanks to an eight run sixth inning. Trailing 4-2, Westlake erupted in the sixth to break the game open. Erin Thomas and Julia Cosco each had three hits.
Avon 3, Rocky River 0: Rachel Rogers picked up her second win of the season allowing just three hits. The Eagles are now 2-4 and 1-2 in the WSC.
Midview 7, Vermilion 3: The Middies gave up three runs in the top of the fourth but rallied to score five in the bottom of the inning to rally for a 7-3 win. Midview remains undefeated in the WSC at 3-0 and are now 6-2 overall. Vermilion falls to 3-6 and 1-2.
North Ridgeville 8, Fairview 3: The Rangers handed the Warriors their first WSC loss of the year. Brittany Helmink had four hits and Ashley Butcher had three. Kailey DeMarco picked up her second win of the year as the Rangers improved to 2-8 and 2-1.

High School Sports Roundup

2010-04-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

North Olmsted 4, Elyria 3; Elyria 12, North Olmsted 5: It was not a great day for the Elyria defense as the Pioneers committed 12 errors in a double header against North Olmsted. The Pioneers railed 4-1 in the seventh of game one when Andrew Bruck singled with one out. AJ Smith homered to bring Elyria within one. North Olmsted ace Kevin Tomich came in for the save attempt. Deke Monk and Jordan McDonald both hit the ball hard but were retired on strong plays from the Eagle defense. In game two, Justin Murphy paced the Elyria offense with three singles. Murphy singled in two runs in the fifth to break open a close game.
Norwalk 16, Huron 2; Norwalk 12, Huron 2: The Truckers broke open game one with a 12 run second inning that was helped by five Huron errors. Kyle Lieber picked up the win giving up three hits and striking out two. In game two, Cory Lieber made his first ever varsity start. He pitched a complete five inning game and struck out four. It was the seventh straight double header sweep over the last three years.
“Saturdays have been good to us,” Norwalk head coach Wes Douglas said.
New London 19, Black 9; New London 15, Black River 8: The Wildcats scored a combined 34 runs on 33 hits to sweep a double header from Black River. Ryan Keathley had five hits . Austin Coey had four hits including 2 homers and nine RBI. In game one every New London starter scored at least one run and in game two every starter except one scored at least one run. New London is now 7-0.
Softball
Edison 8, St. Paul 5; Edison 8, St. Paul 1: The Chargers swept a double header from the Flyers. Katelyn Fisher picked up her first win of the season. She struck out 12 and walked only one. Susan Knight had two hits with a RBI and scored twice. In the second game Knight struck out 16 and pitched a complete game to improve her record to 6-0 and lower her ERA to 0.58. She had three more hits, score two more runs and knocked in a run. The Chargers are now 7-0.
Columbia 4, Independence 0: After losing to Brecksville 7-4 earlier in the day, the Raiders bounced back to defeat Independence 4-0. Jen Solanics won her third game of the year and maintained a 0.00 ERA for the season. She allowed four hits and struck out nine. Courtney Traut had two singles and walk in the win.

Southview softball moves to 2-0

2010-04-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

LORAIN - Southview pounded out 10 hits in its 17-6 victory against Shaw in Lake Erie League play on Wednesday.

Southview junior Caitlin Beaver led the hitting attack going 3-for-3, including a triple, double and four RBIs.

Southview sophomore Maegan Rios made her debut on the mound for the Saints. She pitched three plus innings to pick up her first varsity win of the season.

The Cardinals, who haven't had a softball team since 1994, scored six runs, but only recorded one hit.

After the game Saints' coach John McDermott said he is excited about what the team can accomplish.

If Rios can become more consistent, the Saints could possibly have a solid 1-2 punch with senior Alex Diaz as the No. 1, and Rios as the No. 2.

Jim Solomon celebrated at Firelands High School

2010-04-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

Jim Solomon died on Sunday, March 28. Solomon was a beloved member of the Firelands community. He spent 37 years at the high school as a science teacher, athletic director and football, wrestling and softball coach. On Thursday, April 1 nearly one thousand people filled the Firelands gym to celebrate Solomon’s life. At the request of his family, his coworkers and his former students, a scholarship is being established in his name to given each year to a graduating senior from Firelands High School. Tax deductible donations should be made payable to:
Firelands Schools Endowment Fund
c/o Jim Solomon Memorial Scholarship
11970 Vermilion Road
Oberlin, OH 44074

Here are just a few memories of Jim that were shared before and during his service:

“He loved Jeopardy and he would know every question. I told him he should go on the show but he would say, ‘He was good sitting on the couch.’ He loved science, history — to read. He loved to laugh and treasure hunt with my mom. He would have done anything for anyone.”
- Stacy Wilson, daughter

“He gave my brothers and I the Vermilion River as a playground.”
-Stacy Wilson, daughter

“I can’t remember ever being mad at Jim once in 54 years”.
-Bruce Solomon, Jim’s younger brother

“He walked on to Ohio State, but got injured and it ended his career. He told me that Woody Hayes never forgot anyone. Years later, a player of Jim’s was seriously injured. He was paralyzed and in the hospital. Jim heard that Woody was in town and called him, “I don’t know if you remember me, but, you could you autograph something for my player as it would mean a lot.” Woody not only remembered Jim but he went to the hospital and spent several hours visiting. This is not a story about Woody Hayes but a story about Jim. That is what Jim would do for any of his players. He didn’t forget anyone.”
-Anne Callahan, colleague of Solomon

“He was always smiling with a twinkle in his eye. Twenty years ago I believed that coaches and athletic directors were not supportive of the arts. Jim blew that notion out of the water. He and his wife attended all our productions. When I would get tickets for Playhouse Square, Jim would be so enthusiastic about it..”
- Penny Szunyogh, colleague of Solomon

“He told me that ‘You will love retirement, every day is Saturday.”
- Penny Szunyogh, colleague of Solomon

“He had a special rapport with the players. He could relate to the kids and they respected him. He was very humourous. He made the kids laugh and me laugh too. He touched a lot of people’s lives in positive ways.”
-Matt Smith, fellow science teacher and coach

“Remember the movie ‘Mr. Holland’ I just wish I was creative enough to direct a movie about all Jim’s years at Firelands.”
-Jeff Keck, former Firelands coach and current Vermilion baseball coach

“He was a true mentor. I was working part time while I looked for a full-time job. He came to me and asked me if I wanted to coach football with him. Those five simple minutes changed my life. We would win the Inland Conference. Seven years, later he encouraged me to apply to be the head football coach. He said just apply and get some experience to help me get a future job. The next day they offered me the job. I couldn’t answer right away I had to go talk to Jim first. He told me to take it and that he would be my offensive coordinator, that he would get Jeff (Keck) and Matt (Smith) to come back and it wold be like 1985 all over again. That season we had a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to beat Vermilion. Jim’s son, Justin, had a big game. I knew it wasn’t my win but our win. He was so proud. He wanted to beat Vermilion more than any other team.”
- Andy Gulish, former Firelands head coach

“When I think of Jim I think of a guy who put everyone else first. It was just ingrained in him. He was caring, creative, animating, inspiring educator I have ever seem. He knew how to reach each student as an individual.”
-Don Hunsinger, long-time friend of Solomon

“He was one of my coaches my junior and senior years. He was a guy I really looked up to and tried to pattern myself after. He did a lot of things to help me in my high school career and also prepare for me football at Kent State. He made a big positive difference in everyone’s life he touched. We would get a chance to talk every so often. I would pick his brain and he would help me with situations I faced as a head coach. He was helpful my whole life.”
-Art Daniels, former Firelands student and Westlake coach, teacher and administrator

“I turned on Vermilion Road and I saw that parking lot full and I knew there would be a lot of people here but I threw me for a loop just how many people were here. He is a very deserving person and you could tell how many lives he touched by the people here.”
-Art Daniels, former Firelands student and Westlake coach, teacher and administrator

Avon and Brookside open season at All-Pro Freight Stadium

2010-03-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

While most of Lorain County baseball teams were forced inside to practice on Monday. Avon and Brookside opened their seasons at All-Pro Freight Stadium, the home of the Lorain County Crushers.
"It is unbelievable," Avon head coach Frank DeSmit said. "When they first started talking about we were very excited. They have been very generous offering us the field. Every coach that comes in here is really envious of the situation we are in. You couldn’t have a better facility I keep hammering that home to the kids to make sure that they appreciate that they are playing in the premier high school facility in all of Ohio."
Brookside coach Dan Zagorsky reminded his kids not to get too excited.
“It was very nice," he said. "I think the kids enjoyed. I told the kids not to let it overwhelm you. It is just another ballpark. Respect the ballpark, it is a beautiful ballpark but you still have to come out and play baseball. We did make some mistakes which I think hurt us a little bit."
Avon won 10-6.
There was a nice crowd on hand despite the chilly overcast weather and no admission was charged.
Director of Community & Media Relations for the Crushers, Nicolle Meyer said the Crushers were happy to have the high school teams on the field.
“It is just nice to have baseball here so early in the year,” she said.

Szalay 'bleeds blue and gold'

2010-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Some additional information about Clearview coach John Szalay.

Szalay grew up with parents who volunteered at Clearview games, his mother worked for the school. That made him a fan for life.
As a player, Szalay was a solid point guard who averaged seven points and six assists under coach Bob Walsh. It's not surprising that like many other undersized point guards, Szalay went into coaching.
Walsh went out to a Clearview practice earlier this year to reinforce some of Szalay's theories. The Clippers haven't lost since, but Walsh won't take too much credit.
"They’re where they are today because of John and because of them," he said.
Szalay speaks very highly of Walsh, and since he was a young basketball fan, he was a big fan of one of Lorain County's most legendary coaches.
"I don’t think it’s just because we won a state championship together, I think that bond would have bee there regardless. I grew up watching coach and wanted to play for him. Then when I played for him, he got on me when I needed it but he showed so much support all the time like he does with all his players. He’s my role model as a coach. I’m not half the coach he is but I tried to get as much as I could from him. His success speaks for itself."
Much like Szalay did Monday, Walsh downplayed the team's move to Division II from Division III this season. Though it's impressive that the team has made it to the regional semis in its first year in the switch, neither coach thinks the division change was much of a factor.
"The division of basketball doesn’t make any difference. You only have five guys on the floor at a time. The competition is the competition," Walsh said.
Szalay has a strong senior class, led by Kyle Baughman, Anthony Hitchens and Tony Williams. They've grown pretty close over the past four years.
"He tells us in the locker room before games that he doesn’t want it to be the last time he sees us on the basketball court," Baughman said.

If Clearview can slow down Celina on Thursday, it won't be. The game starts at 6:15 p.m. at Anderson Arena on the campus of Bowling Green State University.

Clippers follow Hitchens' lead to district title

2010-03-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

WESTLAKE - Everyone knows about Anthony Hitchens skills on the football field, but Saturday night against Bay in the Division II Westlake District Final he let his skills on the hardwood do the talking.

Hitchens led the Clippers with 21 points, but it was his play in the first half that proved to be the difference.

He scored 10 points in the first quarter when the team struggled and only scored three points as the Clippers led 13-12.

Hitchens scored in a variety of ways. He hit jumpers, got offensive rebounds and putbacks and scored on layups.

"Most teams try to slack off on me and try to force me to be a jump shooter," Hitchens said. "I've worked on my shot during the summer because I didn't have one last season.

"If teams are going to slack off on me I'm going to keep taking that shot. Coach (John) Szalay has faith in me and I have faith in myself and I'm going to keep taking that shot."

Szalay said the team really fed off of Hitchens and that carried over to the second quarter, where the Clippers outscored the Rockets 17-3 and took a 30-15 at halftime.

"He stepped up and we followed his lead," said Szalay about Hitchens play in the first quarter.

Bay coach Jason Frolo said his team just didn't have an answer for Hitchens.

"We told our guys to give him a little bit of a cushion, because he loves to attack the hoop and knows how to finish strong," Frolo said. "He hit two mid-range jumpers which were big for him."

The Clippers went on to defeat Bay 61-29 and advance to the Region 6 semifinal against Celina, at Bowling Green State University, on March, 18.

Clearview knocks off defending district champs

2010-03-11T20:36:00.000-08:00

WESTLAKE - Anthony Hitchens scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Clearview Clippers to the Division II Westlake District Final with a 76-59 victory against the Vermilion Sailors on Thursday night.

Nick Farley scored a team-high 24 points for Vermilion, but the Sailors could not keep up with the athleticism of the Clippers. The Clippers led 36-25 at halftime and outscored the Sailors in every quarter.

The Clippers improve to 20-2 and will now face top-seeded Bay on Saturday, March 13, at 7 p.m.

The Clippers had not won a tournament game since the 2006 season when they were still in Division III.

The win also snapped the Sailors eight-game winnning streak at Westlake High School. Vermilion had won the Westlake District the past two seasons. The Clippers also got revenge on the Sailors, who defeated them at home earlier this season.

Although they lost, a lot could be said about what the Sailors were able to accomplish this season.

Farley was the only returning player from last year's team that made it to the regional final, and they finished the season at 14-9.

The Clippers, who won the Patriot Athletic Conference title, face-off with the Bay Rockets, who were the West Shore Conference champs.

The game should be very entertaining, as both teams have a number of players who can score the basketball.

Some interesting matches at All-Star meet

2010-03-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

The Lorain County All-Star wrestling meet was filled with great moments. Four deserving members were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Scholarships were awarded as well as a service award. And there was also wrestling.

Some of the most interesting matches:

Elyria's Kodie Egnor finished second in the state last weekend in D-I 130. North Ridgeville's Matt Zepp was a state alternate at 135. The two matched up at 130 and tied 0-0.

At the Southview sectional, North Ridgeville's Mike Mees and Amherst's Alex Basinski meet in the semifinals at 171. Basinski won 4-0. Mees got a bit of revenge with a 4-1 win at the All-Stars.

Columbia's Ethan Garofolo was one wrestler that had Wellington's Josh Roberts' number. Roberts was winless for his career against Garofolo until he upset him to win the 215-pound title at the Brooklyn sectional. Roberts used that momentum to qualify for state and then place seventh. The two met again at the All-Stars and Garofolo won 10-3.

Ralston win award filled with meaning

2010-03-11T20:18:00.000-08:00

Southview's Uland Ralston was awarded by the Paul Reynolds Trophy by the Lorain County Wrestling Coaches & Officials Association for being the best senior wrestler in Lorain County. Ralston is the first Southview Saint to win the award since 2001 when Hector Mendez won. Roderick "Juggy" Franklin also won the award in 1993.

The trophy was provided by Jim Berarducci, a Hall-of-Fame high school and collegiate wrestling official, in memory of his wife Marcia, a teacher in the Wellington Schools who passed away last year from pancreatic cancer.

The award is named for Paul Reynolds who served as the head wrestling coach at Avon Lake for 18 years. He served as an official almost up to his passing in 2008. Reynolds was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Bay 67, Brookside 56

2010-03-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

Leading by as many as 23 points, Bay nearly gave the game away as Brookside's Hunter Skolinicki dropped 16 points in the final frame to make things interesting.

Brookside pulled within seven points with 53 seconds to go - putting even more pressure on Bay who was trying to maintain the lead.

Bay coach Jason Frolo mentioned his team has been giving away leads the entire season following the game; something they're going to need to address as the move on.

Brookside standout Nick Jackman struggled to find his shooting rhthym, missing his first five shots from the floor. He finished with nine points on 3-of-9 shooting - all 3-pointers.

Southview loses 73-34 in regional semifinal

2010-03-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

At one point, early in the second quarter, the Southview girls basketball team led 13-9.

But Toledo Waite, ranked No. 3 in the country, woke up from then on, going on a 21-3 run through the end of the quarter to take a 30-16 lead at halftime.

Any chance of a Southview comeback was put to an end when the Indians outscored the Sains 43-19 in the second half.

Southview junior Shanique Ogle had a team-high 22 points. No one else on the team had more than four.

Natasha Howard of Waite lead all scorers with 28 and Shanice McNeal added 21. The Indians outrebounded Southview 53-28.

Southview had a hard time breaking through a physical full-court press and committed 34 turnovers.

Waite will move on to play Perrysburg in the regional finals at Norwalk High School.

Eagles fall to Sailors, 54-47

2010-03-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

West Shore Conference foes Avon and Vermilion met Saturday night in the Division II Westlake Sectional Final, and there was definitely no love lost between the two clubs.

The Eagles' woeful second-half shooting ultimately led to their demise, only shooting 7 of 28 (25 percent) from the field.

"We just didn’t finish," Avon coach Jim Baker said. "We went really cold for quite a stretch. We were getting the same shots in the first half and we just went cold."

The Sailors, who have won the Westlake District the last two seasons, have now won eight straight tournament games at Westlake High School.

Vermilion advances to the district semifinal where they will take on Clearview on March 11, at 7 p.m.

Bay remains No. 1 at Westlake

2010-03-05T21:20:00.000-08:00

John Urwin, Cody Sanker and Kyle Banal scored in double figures as the No. 1 seed Rockets defeated Padua, 73-61 in the Division II Sectional Final at Westlake High School.

Urwin scored 23 points to lead the way, while Sanker and Banal added 18 and 17, respectively.

Other boys scores from Friday night

Parma 67, Midview 47: The Redmen ended the Middies’ season last night in the Division I Brecksville-Broadview Heights Sectional Final.

"Parma did a real nice job defensively on us," Midview coach Troy DiFranco said. "(Parma) has a lot of scorers. It was a great run for our kids."

Midview was led by Andrew Agee’s 12 points, while Nick Clark added seven and Riley Moore chipped in with six.

Medina 57, Westlake 47: The Battling Bees secured a 12-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back as it went on to beat the Demons, 57-47 Friday night in the Division I Grafton Sectional Final.

Marion Harding 71, Sandusky 67: The Presidents had some trouble with the Blue Streaks, but were able to pull it out in the end in the Division I Bowling Green Sectional Final game played at Willard High School.

Port Clinton 53, Perkins 45: Xavier Turner led the Pirates with 14 points, while Mike Ebert added 12 in a loss to the Redskins in the Division II Ashland Sectional Final.

Bellevue 65, Norwalk 34: The Redmen were too much for the Truckers in the Division II Sectional Final played at Sandusky last night.

Western Reserve 56, Gibsonburg 44: The Roughriders cruised past the Golden Bears last night at Norwalk High School in the Division III Mansfield Sectional Final.

Huron 62, Lakota 47: The Tigers made easy work of the Raiders last night at Norwalk, advancing them to the district quarterfinal against Western Reserve.

St. Paul 57, Fremont St. Joseph 30: The Flyers handled the Crimson Streaks in the Division IV Gibsonburg Sectional Final last night at Port Clinton High School.

Monroeville 61, Lakeside Danbury 59: The Eagles edged the Lakers in the second game at Port Clinton. Monroeville will now face familiar foe St. Paul in the district quarterfinal.

Clutch free throws help Brookside upset Holy Name

2010-03-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

Mike Harrison and Hunter Skolnicki each hit clutch free throws in overtime to help Brookside upset Holy Name 60-56 at the Division II Sectional Final at Westlake High School.

With less than 20 seconds left and the score tied at 56, Skolnicki hit a pair from the line. Harrison then hit two more to ensure the Cardinals’ victory.

After trailing for much of the game, as much as 10 in the third quarter, the Green Wave successfully extended the game.

Holy name took its first lead since 4-0 with two free throws from Corey Elliot, making the score 50-48.

The Cardinals quickly responded when Nick Jackman hit his second 3 of the game.
With the score 54-53 in favor of Brookside with 49 seconds left, Harrison came through with two free throws.

Elliot then hit another 3 to tie the game.

Brookside sealed its fate when Skolnicki and Harrison made their last four free throws.

The ability to consistently make free throws was the difference in the game. Brookside shot 16 of 22 (73 percent), while Holy Name shot 10 of 22 (45 percent) from the line.

Matt Heben led the Green Wave with 14 points. Kevin Krakowiak and Elliot added 10 and 12, respectively.

Moody led Brookside with 17 points. Jackman added 15.

Brookside started the tournament with a comeback victory over Keystone. The Cardinals will move on to play Bay in the district semifinals on Wednesday.

Southview moves on

2010-03-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Southview will continue as a basketball program for at least one more game. The Saints knocked off number one seed Westlake 52-43.
Shanique Ogle continues to amaze. The junior came close to a triple double. She put up 25 points, 16 rebounds and nine steals. She is now just 11 points away from the 1,000 point milestone.
She has a great chance to reach that in the District final against Cloverleaf (12-11) on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Medina High School.
The Saints will attempt to win their second ever district championship.

Sailors cruise over Max Hayes

2010-03-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

Two-time defending Division II district champion Vermilion had no problems in their sectional game Wednesday night, as they defeated Max Hayes 72-50.

Vermilion's Nick Farley led all scores with 23 points, including 5 3-pointers. The Sailors (13-8) advance and will take on Avon (12-9) who defeated Keystone for the second year in a row 53-43. R.J. Kauffman led all scores with 21.

The Sailors and Eagles, who both are West Shore Conference members, will meet for the third time this season on March 6. Each team won on their home court during the regular season. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Westlake High School.

In Division I sectional at Midview High School, defending district champion North Ridgeville (13-8) was upended by Berea 50-48.

North Ridgeville's Dominique Qualls led the Rangers with 17 points.

The other game at Midview saw Avon Lake defeat Elyria 48-43. The Shoreman were able to come away with a win, despite getting just four points from their leading scorer Ronnie Willoughby. Eric Stuczynski stepped up big for the Shoreman (14-7) as he finished with a game-high 21 points, including three 3's.

Chase Farris had a monster game for the Pioneers (9-12) with 17 points and 20 rebounds.

Avon Lake will battle Berea on March 6, at 6 p.m. at Midview High School. Both teams play in the Southwestern Conference and split the regular season series.

Szalay raves about his seniors

2010-02-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

Clearview coach John Szalay said he has formed a close bond with Tony Williams, Anthony Hitchens and Kyle Baughman during their tenure at Clearview.

Szalay said he's been impressed with how each has developed into a successful player.

About Tony Williams:
“Tony does the things I can’t teach,” Szalay said. “He jumps out of the gym, and he’s lighting quick in the passing lanes. He’s had to work on his left hand and some other parts of his game, but he brings an athletic facet to the game, he’ll make you open your eyes a lot of times of some the things he can do.”

About Anthony Hitchens:
“He’s probably the most humble athlete I have ever coached,” Szalay said. “He’s the hardest working kid we have, and with all the things he’s accomplished he could easily have coasted.
“He provides the physical presence for us, not to mention he can play all five positions.”

About Kyle Baughman:
“He wants to win really bad. He’s kind of a throwback kid, like the ones I used to coach in the late 80’s, early 90’s,” Szalay said. “He doesn’t care about his stats, he just wants the team to be successful and I’ve developed a real close relationship with him.”

More from the Brooklyn wrestling sectional

2010-02-20T19:32:00.000-08:00

So Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy had to drive past the Beachwood sectional to get to the Brooklyn sectional CVCA, Chanel and Cuyahoga Heights ranked second through fourth in the final Ohio D-III wrestling poll all were a part of the Brooklyn sectional. Keystone and Fairview moved down from D-II. Wellington, Brooklyn, Independence, Columbia, Elyria Catholic, Oberlin and Lutheran West all had quality wrestlers. Not everyone was going to be able to get out.

It seems that several district quality wrestlers had their seasons end early because of how the sectionals were formed.

Oberlin had one champion in Mason Bremke at 189 pounds. Bremke is a junior and determined to pave the way for more of his teammates to join him in districts next year.

“I really like my coaches and my team is really good but leadership comes from pulling them with you,” Bremke said. “If you are the only one then you pull three or four guys coming with you next year. We have a young team with all juniors so someone has to be the leader. It means a lot to me. “

Keystone heavyweight Anthony Chizmadia was upset and pinned in the first round by Wellington’s Sam Rodgers.

Chizmadia rebounded by pinning Cuyahoga Heights’ Devin Prater and pinning Rodgers in rematch to finish third.

“I had to wake up a little bit,’ Chizmadia said. “Time to go right here and right now.

I just reversed him. I am not one those guys who like it slow. I like it fast and long. I don’t like to dance out there with those big guys.”

Chizmadia believes his team will bounce back and have a strong districts.

“A fourth placer here could easily go on and win state,” he said. “One bad day so what, you keep going and trucking on through. I am always proud of these guys. There are my best friends right now. I love each and every one of them to death. Look for us next week, I bet you will find even better results.”

Keystone 103-pounder Brian Spangler is ranked the second best in his in D-III. The number one ranked wrestler Nathan Tomasello just happens to be in the same district. Spangler lost 8-2 in the semifinals.

“We knew Brian would have a tough kid in the semis,” Keystone coach Jim Pycraft Sr. said. “Hopefully we will be on opposite sides of the bracket and if we see again next week then we know we are where we want to be.”

Elyria Catholic coach John McNulty was ecstatic about his team’s performance.

“It is great,” he said. “We have been down the last few years. I am proud of all the team and moving up the ladder as a team. They didn’t quit and they want to get the tradition back at Elyria Catholic of a tough wrestling team. And they are the ones doing it. I am extremely happy.”

Boys basketball recap for Feb. 19

2010-02-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

The Elyria Pioneers (9-10, 2-7) came close to pulling an upset against Northeast Ohio Conference opponent Medina (16-2, 8-1) Friday night in Elyria.
The Pioneers led 35-34 after three quarters, but managed just six points in the fourth quarter and lost 46-41. Cody Bender hit two 3-pointers and led the Pioneers with 10 points.

Eric Stuczynski scored a game-high 17 points to help Avon Lake pick up a 64-58 road victory against Brecksville in Southwestern Conference play. Dom Whitfield also scored in double figures with 11 for the Shoremen who improved to 12-6 overall, and 8-5 in the SWC.

Amherst (5-13, 1-11) and North Olmsted (7-12, 5-8) were tied at 20 after two quarters, but North Olmsted outscored the Comets 31-22 in the second half to pull out a 51-42 Southwestern Conference victory. Conor Weir led the Comets with 14 points, while Alex Kneisel added 11.

Clearview vs. Open Door - 2.19.20

2010-02-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

Friday night's matchup between Clearview and Open Door Christian was as good as a high basketball game gets.

Lead changes, up-and-down scoring, tough defense and, of course, high drama and emotion. Despite being consistently short-handed throughout the entire season, Open Door's valiant effort was admirable against a more athletic and deeper Clearview squad. Open Door came out firing in the first quarter, with Abe Valentine spearheading the attack. By the end of the first quarter, Open Door led 19-15, but the way they were playing, it seemed they were ahead by much more.

Eventually, Clearview's deep roster overwhelmed Open Door to the point where the Clippers led by 10. Open Door pulled within one point with 19.3 seconds remaining in the third quarter, and even led 56-54 with 2:46 remaining in the game. Clearview's Kyle Baughman clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch was eventually the difference in the game.

If the games around the area are like this one, I'm so glad to cover and report them.

More from Southview wrestling

2010-02-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

Day one was a lot of fun at the Southview District and day two promises more of the same. It is no surprise that 13-time defending state champion St. Edward advanced every wrestler to the semi-finals.

Elyria was impressive advancing six wrestlers to the semifinals and Coach Erik Burnett expects some of his consolation wrestlers to step up tomorrow.

Freshman 125 pounder Eli Garcia lost to Southview senior Narcisco Inchaurregui 12-3. Inchaurregui is 31-1.

"Eli fought hard tonight but probaly not enough offense," Burnett said. "We need to get our offense going tomorrow. Eli is a tough kid. He showed some fight against Cisco."

Freshman Zach Woodings was pinned by undefeated St. Edward 160 pounder Nick Sulzer.

"He wrestled Sulzer, one of the best wrestlers in the country," Burnett said. "So we have to see how he will bounce and maybe there will be some good things for him. There are no rearview mirrors in sectionals or districts."

Avon Lake senior Kevin Brunner raised his record to 41-2 with two pins.

"It was nice to get in and get out of there on the first day," Brunner said. "It helps going into the semi with as much energy as you can especially going into a tough match against (Elyria's) Kodie Egnor."

Southview was a bit short handed on Friday night.

"We have a few injuries and some discipline problems so we didn't come in with all of our numbers," Southview head coach Billy Kopp said. "But the numbers we did have I think the kids wrestled really well. We had a couple kids wrestle some really smart matches."

Avon Lake head coach Vinnie Curiale was pleased with his squad's performance.
"I am pretty happy with how we wrestled and I thought things went well tonight and hopefully that will carry over tomorrow and hopefully we will get a few guys out."

More on the SWC wrestling tournament

2010-02-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

Brecksville is a very good wrestling program. The Bees have won the SWC title all five years in the conference. The Bees had eight wrestlers in the championship matches and won six titles.

Amherst had a strong showing as well. The Comets only won one title, Alex Basinski at 171, but placed 11 wrestlers.

Taking second for Amherst were Mark Matos (112), CJ Basinki (135), Matt Zvosec

(140), Alex O’Dor (160) and Andrew Brumenschenkel (215). Finishing third were Alex Underberg (119), Deran Price (145) Kyle Jones (152) and taking fourth were Costas Kocan (125) and Jake Cumberledge (189).

“It shows how our team has improved throughout the season while some teams are on the downside and all the credit to coach Cesear and Walker for that,” Alex Basinski said.

It was Basinski’s first title. He has had a tough draw in previous years.

“I was second as a freshman by a point and the last two years I had Brecksville state champ Kyle Lang in my weight class and he was a heck of the wrestler.”

Amherst head coach Brian Cesear believes his team is peaking when they should.

“We have been doing extra running and extra lifting outside of practice trying to get ready to peak at the right time,” Cesear said. “I think we are at the right spot but we will find out.”

Avon Lake only brought 10 wrestlers to the meet and had six placers. Senior Kevin Brunner set a school record with his 133^rd win won the 130 pound title.

“He is having a great year,” head coach Vinnie Curiale said. “Hopefully over the next few weeks, we can keep advancing and make it down to the big tournament. If he keeps wrestling the way he has, I think we have a real good shot at that.”

Curiale was pleased with his whole team.

“Our kids came out and wrestled today,” he said. “Hopefully we will see the same thing in the next few weeks. This was a big step for us as a team. We are on our way to making a nice turn with the team.”

Evan Potts (119) and Cory Frank (HWT) finished second. Mike Troncosco (135) took second while Adam Graehling (103) and Matt Sokolow (171) were fourth.

“(Troncosco) has been wrestling well and he may be wrestling the best on our team and he took a third,” Curiale said. “He got hurt our first tournament last year and didn’t wrestle the whole year and he’s got almost 30 wins this year. He is wrestling well.”

Westlake had a champion in Connor Dempsey (140), a runner-up in Connor Dever (171), three third place finishers Steve Harmon (130), Brad Spreng (189) and Jacob Kutz (215) and a fourth place finisher in Mo Rabah (112).

“Overall I was pleased with the performance,” Mike Antonyzyn said. “It starts now and we have to keep on improving it is only going to get tougher. This conference was tough.

“Districts will be a bear. I have been around for a long time and I have not seen a district this tough for a long, long time. When you have St. Ed’s and Wadsworth, which beat St. Ed’s, and then you get all the other schools like Brecksville and those Toledo schools. It will be phenomenal.”

SWC Tournament
Team Standings
1. Brecksville (BR) 215, 2. Amherst (AM) 171.5, 3. Westlake (W) 106, 4. Olmsted Falls (OF) 102, 5. Midpark (M) 96. 6. Avon Lake (AL) 95, 7. North Olmsted (NO) 85, 8. Berea (BE) 57.5

First-Place Results
103 — Evan Krumheuer (M) dec. Nick Asadorian (OF) 7-1; 112 — Anthony D’Amico def. Mark Matos (AM) 10-4; 119 — Mitch Baran (BR) dec. Evan Potts 7-1; 125 — Dylan Good (BR) dec. Brian Brunner (NO) 3-2; 130 — Kevin Brunner (AL) dec. Quinton Hiles (BR) 6-0; 135 — Nolan Grame (BE) maj. Dec. CJ Basinski (AM) 12-1; 140 — Conner Dempsey (W) dec. Matt Zvosec (AM) 5-1; 145 — Kyle Roddy (BE) dec. Adam Binggeli (OF) 8-2; 152 — Chaz McGrain (OF) dec. Marshal Willet (BR) 7-3; 160 — Shane Gareau (OF) dec. Alex O‘Dor (AM) 7-5; 171 — Alex Basinski (AM) dec. Connor Dever (W) 4-2; 189 — Chriss Kelly (NO) pinned Conner Neu (M) 1:42; 215 — Spencer Willet (BR) maj. dec. Andrew Brumenschenkel (AM) 18-8; HVY — Billy Vaughan (BR) pinned Cory Frank (AL) 1:39.

Third-Place Results
103 — Tommy Pruchinski (BR) pinned Adam Graehling (AL); 112 — Zach Charbat (M) maj. dec. Mo Rabah (W) 12-4; 119 — Alex Underberg (AM) dec. Tommy DiMarino (NO) 11-4; 125 — John Debth (BE) def. Costas Kocan (AM) 4-3; 130 — Steve Harmon (W) def. Kevin Dietrich (BE) 6-5 Tie breaker; 135 — Mike Troncoso (AL)pinned Ricky Kelly (NO) 1:59; 140 — George Saridakis (BR) pinned Mark Mills (OF) 4:28; 145 — Devan Price (AM) dec. Brad Church (BE) 8-6; 152 — Kyle Jones (AM) Kyle Koncek (M) 4-0; 160 — Andrew Barr (BR) dec Garrett Darby (M) 6-5; 171 — Farris Aziz (M) maj. dec. Matt Sokolow (AL) 14-6 ; 189 — Brad Spreng (W) dec. Jake Cumberledge 6-4 (AM); 215 — Jacob Kutz (W) pinned Trevor Winston (NO) 1:48; HVY — Ty Bromund (M) dec. Chris Kozak (OF) 3-1 OT.

Local swimmers advance

2010-02-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

The Boys Division I swimming sectional took place at Lakewood High on Friday. In each individual event and relay, the top two in each event automatically qualify. In addition 34 at-large qualifiers from across all sectionals will also advance to districts. In relay events, 14 at-large teams will also advance.

Elyria's Ian Ward finished second in the 200 IM with a time of 2:01.36 to automatically qualify for districts. Westlake's Joe Craven finished second in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 52.69 to also automatically qualify.

Other top finishers from our area include Dominic Pecze who was third in the 100 Back with a time of 54.11, Westlake's Tyler McFarland was fourth in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 55.51. Westlake's relay team of Craven, Bobby Knurek, McFarland and Andrew Medoro finished third in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:43.47

WSC Showdown set for next Friday

2010-02-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

Next Friday night will be huge in deciding the West Shore Conference boys basketball title. Even Joe Tait will be in the building calling the action on radio. Bay (12-4) leads the WSC with 9-1 record. Host North Ridgeville (11-5, 8-2) still has a bitter taste in their mouths from a 58-39 beatdown at Bay last month.
Either team could have been caught looking ahead but didn't on Friday night. Bay blasted Firelands 74-44. John Urwin led Bay with 15 points while Kyle Banal added 12. North Ridgeville whipped Fairview 58-39.
One team that might have been caught looking ahead was Avon. Last week Avon won road games at both Bay and North Ridgeville. However on Friday night, Avon lost at home to Rocky River. It was only the third win of the year for the Pirates. RJ Kaufmann had another big game for Avon scoring 24 points but it was not enough to offset Rocky River's Mike Stevens, who scored 27 points off the bench.

Saints take care of the ball, and John Marshall

2010-01-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

LORAIN - Things didn't start off very well for Southview Friday night, in its 65-46 win against John Marshall.

The Saints turned the ball over nine times in the first quarter, and had to overcome a 10-0 deficit to start the game.

Southview eventually gathered themselves and took control of the game in the third quarter.

The Saints turned the ball over just once compared to eight by John Marshall, and they outscored the Lawyers 20-7 to take a commanding 50-30 lead after three.

Tanitra Smith scored eight points in the quarter, while Danielle Montanez, Shanique Ogle, Marisol Torres and Breanna Fortney all got involved in the scoring in the third quarter.

The Saints finished with 18 turnovers for the game, but only had three in the second half. The Lawyers finished the game 29 turnovers.

More on Admiral King wrestling

2010-01-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

The Admiral King wrestling program works out at Masson Elementary more than a mile away from Admiral King.

“I think the run here to practice is good conditioning,” sophomore Demetrius Harris said. “The school is really not that far away. It is not a problem running here.”

Admiral King senior captain Brandon Medina enjoys having the wrestling room off campus.

“It gets us away from my school and our peers and allows us to focus on wrestling than trying to look good and clean up for our student peers,” he said.

Medina is one of only two wrestlers that predate coach Black.

“Coach Black has brought experience,” Medina said. “Coach went to Arizona before he had to stop. He knows what he is talking about. He is good for the program especially all the lightweights that can look to his experience and knowledge. He is a great coach.”

Fellow senior Caleb Borden agrees.

“Coach has us doing a lot of good things. It is always a hard practice, we work really hard."Admiral King is hard working team. The young wrestlers have stepped up this season. All 15 weight classes have done well. Brandon is a great captain. Everyone has come together as a team.”

Bishop Overton said Coach Black has been a huge influence.
“He has brought more coaches to us, he has brought more techniques to us,” Overton said. “He have brought more conditioning to us. When I first came here I didn’t know a lot. He has taught me a lot.”

Sophomore Johnnie Spinkston has seen the pride in the program grow.
“When I was in 8th grade we came here and practiced with the high schoolers and you didn’t hear much coming from the high school,” he said. “Starting last year we have been picking it up a lot more like winning conference and coach is teaching us to be more explosive and we are becoming a tougher program.”

Former Admiral King wrestler and current assistant coach Cliff Dowell is pleased with how Coach Black has built up the program.

“Last year with the team winning Admiral King’s first ever wrestling conference championship, it was obviously a big accomplishment,” Dowell said. “The kids worked hard and earned it. We won by a point or two in a squeaker against Bedford. This year it will be another barn burner. The kids are coming along. We have lost some numbers but the kids that are here are our core. We are looking to improve on last year’s team.

If this is the last year of the program, Dowell is proud of how it is going out.
“Considering where the program has been in the past, you can say we are going out on top. King has never been known for wrestling. So to have the wrestling program possibly finishing out with back to back conference titles, I would have to stay we have finished out on top.”

Avon making some noise in the WSC

2010-01-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Heading into Friday night, the Avon boys basketball team was sitting at .500 and staring at back-to-back road games against Bay and North Ridgeville, considered by many as the top two teams in West Shore conference.

The Eagles responded with two huge wins. On Friday night Avon beat Bay 78-70 thanks to 31 points from R.J. Kauffman. Avon would score 26 first quarter points and then survive a late Rocket run to hand Bay their first WSC loss.

On Tuesday night, Avon defeated North Ridgeville 54-43. Kauffman was again the hero. He scored 24 points and was 11 of 12 from the line. Sophomore Claude Gray supported him with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The Eagles are now 8-6 but more importantly 6-2 in the WSC, only one game behind Bay.

Southview outlasts Elyria 59-56

2010-01-26T20:19:00.000-08:00

Despite being outsized down low, Southview played tough against Elyria and held off a last-second three-point attempt to win 59-56.

6-foot-6 Will Rudolph and 6-foot-5 Chase Farris combined for 29 points for the Pioneers, but a scrappy Saints defense didn't make things easy for them.

Farris could have had more points had more putbacks under the basket fallen in.

Mike Divila of Southview led all scorers with 16 points, uncluding two three-pointers in the fourth quarter. The Saints made seven three pointers in the game.

Charles Fletcher hit two free throws with less than 30 seconds left in the game to put Southview up the three points the team would ultimately win by. This might be the final game between the two teams, as Southview will most likely combine with Admiral King by next season.

Southview improved its record to 7-5, while the Pioneers fell to 6-6.

Ogle dominates Warrensville Heights

2010-01-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

Shanique Ogle stuffed the stat sheet in Southview's 57-44 victory against Warrensville Heights on Saturday.

Ogle finished with game-highs of 23 points, 21 rebounds and five blocks.

After the Tigers held Ogle to 12 through three quarters, she exploded for 11 in the final quarter.

Warrensville Heights coach Eric Mitchell was at a lost for words when describing Ogle's performance.

"I mean you can hope to contain her at best," Mitchell said of Ogle. "She an outstanding player."

Southview coach Scott Plzak said is wasn't Ogle's stats that impressed him, but a play she made towards the end of the game.

With the Saints comfortably ahead, Olge stole a pass and had a clear cut path to the basket. Instead of laying the ball up to her 25 points for the game she passed the ball to Tanitra Smith who scored.

"That play at the end of the game really epitomized what type of an all-around player she is," Plzak said.

Firelands-Elyria Catholic 1980 District Memories

2010-01-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

In 1979-1980, Firelands went 20-0 in the regular season. They defeated Brookside and Elyria West in the AA sectionals. And still the team was lacking respect from some circles.

“They said we didn’t play anyone,” Dave Muschitz said.

Waiting for them in the District semi-final was Elyria Catholic.
“Elyria Catholic was the team to beat,” Dan Muschitz said. “They beat us every year. They had Billy Joe Williams, who later played professionally in Europe.”

The game was held at Elyria High School. Despite being a large gym, the tickets sold out in record time.

“It was a frenzy,” Dan Muschitz said. “Our followers couldn’t get tickets. They sold out too fast.”

The game was back and forth. Dan Muschitz will forever be remembered as the hero. But he recounted how not once but twice he almost became the goat.

“I had a one and one with just over a minute to go,” Dan Muschitz said. “We were down two. I hit both of them. It went back and forth. Now all this happened in a minute. We were up one. Kenny hit the first one then missed the second one. Bobby Warren was right behind me, he was a great leaper and he went over the top of me. He didn’t foul me and tipped it in. Now they were up two.

“We went back down and passed it around. I shot a 20-footer and missed it. I will never forget this. We all ran up to get the ball and a foul was called. To this day, we don’t know who they fouled. We were looking around and thinking who is going to the line? I will never forget this and I feel bad but I left Doug Carrico at the line and walked away. He looked at me like what are you doing? And the ref handed him the basketball.

Carrico was just a sophomore and he wasn’t the Falcon best suited for the situation, down two with three seconds left.

“First all of was the worst free throw shooter on the team so that played into the thinking a little bit,” Carrico said. “I guess I was too young and naïve to really think about the circumstance of what was going on. Luckily I drained them.”

The game was tied again. Elyria Catholic threw away the inbounds pass out of bounds. Firelands got the ball back.

“Carrico hit them both,” Dan Muschitz said. “He misses one and the game is over. They tried to hurry to get the ball down the court and didn’t. The rest is history. Everyone knows who is getting the ball. Bill Szabo had 43 points so we are going to him but he was covered. So they passed it to me at half court. And it wasn’t even a jumpshot, it was one of those oh well its overtime but it was the cleanest bank you have ever seen. My mind was overtime until it went p-poom p-poom. I wasn’t trying to bank. I didn’t call it. Bobby Warren just fell to his knees. It was such an exhausting game. It just took the wind out of them.

“Before they signalled it. Coach Sooy was holding everyone back until they signaled it good. They used to hold up those ropes to keep the crowd off. It didn’t quite hold back the people. They just took the ropes out and that began the celebration.

“Bill had 43 points. Elyria Catholic had three guys with 20 points. How often do you see a team with three 20 point scorers and lose a ball game.

“It was the sweetest win. If I had to pick any game in my career to make that shot, it would be against Elyria Catholic. They used to beat us every year.”

Head coach Keith Sooy said he didn’t know about the free throw switch until after the game.
“I didn’t know they had done that until after the game,” Sooy said. “Doug put them both in and they threw the ball away and we got the inbounds play and he banked them in. It was a great moment. It was a very special season .That year they were the best team in Lorain County and there were some really good teams.”

Passing on history
Before the game, current head coach Steve Lias invited the 79-80 team to talk to his team.
“I told them basketball is played from the heart,” Szabo said. “You play hard and you make more shots, you get more rebounds, you get more steals and you win more games. That’s how you win.”

Great to be back
Jim Nida, who got the ball rolling on the reunion with email to Firelands AD Leo Spagnola, said the reunion was everything he expected.
“It is absolutely what I expected especially when I got the replies back on how excited everyone was to come back,” Nida said. “Like Bill said in the locker room, it is Firelands basketball - you play hard and you play as a team and 30 years later, it stands true. To see everybody words cannot describe. I think we are still in awe of seeing each other. The memories are indescribable.”
The team was touched by the reception from the community. The gym was packed. People were standing in the hallway because there were not enough seats.
“They remember,” Szabo said. “There were about 50 people out there that came to our games and they still come to games. Firelands has a faithful crowd.”

Lots of points
The team averaged over 80 points a game without a three point line. South Amherst tried to slow down the attack with a four corners offense.
“South Amherst did the four corners and stalled against us,” Dave Muschitz said. “We still beat them 63-21 and they stalled.”
Once Firelands had 24-0 lead over an opponent.
“It was 24-0 and coach called us over and he tell us, ‘We have to give someone a layup.’”
“Danny Heister was a great friend of ours,” Dave Muschitz said. “So we let Danny come through the lane and all of sudden we just stood there. He scored and we started playing again.”

Boys Basketball: First Baptist 56, Christian Community 44

2010-01-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

Tyler Williams scored 24 points grabbed 18 rebounds as First Baptist beat Christian Community 56-44 on Thursday. The Sabres led 20-11 after the first quarter and 40-29 after three. Isiah Board added 13 points in the non-conference matchup. CC was led by Matt Gross' 20 points.

Boys Basketball: Firelands defeats Brookside

2010-01-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

Firelands held on to defeat Brookside 60-58 in a non-conference boys match-up on Tuesday. The Falcons were led by Brandon Proy's 25 points and 10 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for Firelands were Kyle Smith with 11 and Preston Rathge with 10 . Firelands were hot as a team as they made 22 of 43 shots for 51 percent. The Falcons limited Brookside to 38 percent shooting, 25 of 65.
Firelands led 16-11 after one quarter and 31-25 at the half. Brookside rallied in the second half behind Nick Jackman's 18 points. Jackman had three of the Cardinals seven three-pointers. Hunter Skolnicki added 14 for Brookside. The Cardinals actually out rebounded the Falcons 34 to 32. Kyle Stump had nine boards for Brookside.

Monclova Christian 56, First Baptist 34: The Sabres fell to 6-3 on the season with the loss to Monclova. First Baptist led 9-6 after one but were out scored 50-25 the rest of the game. The Sabres were led by Tyler Williams 16 points.

More on Southview Senior Night

2010-01-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

It was a historic night at Southview on Friday night. The Saints celebrated Senior Night with a 48-21 win over North Ridgeville and two wrestlers senior Uland Ralston and junior Cisco Inchaurregui picked up their 100th wins.
The Southview coaching staff wore t-shirts commemorating the 40 years of the Southview program. Before the dual against North Ridgeville, longtime coaches Dan and Tom Ternes were recognized as was assistant coach Pepe Ruiz who has been around since the beginning in 1969.
It was fitting that the opponent was North Ridgeville as head coach Buzz Haller goes way back with the Ternes.
"I went to college at Bowling Green with Danny and Tommy where we wrestled," Haller said. "We go back to the Elyria Shore days."
Haller said he enjoys wrestling Southview.
"We like wrestle each other," he said. "There are good wrestlers here and it helps us. This will help at conference."
Ralston lost on Wednesday to fellow state qualifier Davion Caston.
“Wednesday night was tough," Ralston said. "I watched the match a few times on video.There were a few things I need to work on and a there were a few calls that didn’t go my way and I allowed that to frustrate me. So in practice I refocused on the technical things that could help me win and prepare mentally. If calls don’t go my way I have to wrestle smart. If I would have kept my head in the game, I know it would have gone different. It was a learning experience.
Ralston said it was surreal to think he was wrestling on his Senior Night. He has been with some of his teammates for a long time.
"I have known everyone since eighth grade," he said. "A lot of us started wrestling in the third grade. I started in wrestling in kindergarten and been with some of these guys since the bitty program. We have known each other since birth. Our parents went high school together. My dad coached us all the way up. For it to be finally over it sort of surreal. I still know next year when it comes to practice the kids who graduate this year will still be there at practice. This is my senior night and it is surreal."
Inchaurregui was impressed with the rest of his team.
"You can see the improvement," he said. "We didn’t give up a lot of pins. We put the match out of reach early."
A key match was Joseph "Poohie" Charlton winning 3-2 over Brandon Mundell at 152.
"That kid had beat him twice before," head coach Billy Kopp said. "We knew it would be a tough match. Poohie made a couple mistakes in the losses previously. He corrected those mistakes. Give him credit he is a tough kid."
The night started with Dominic Diaz getting six takedowns and earning a technical fall 19-3.
"He is starting to come along well," Diaz said. "He is only a second year wrestler. He is picking it up at the right time."

Wrestling in the dark

2010-01-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

The Southview-Sandusky dual was a lot of fun. In a tradition going back 25 years, Sandusky once a year hosts Odyessy night. They turn off the main gym lights, get some spot lights and hire a DJ to create a unique atmosphere. It draws a huge crowd that really gets into the match.
Southview really enjoyed being a part of it. And the wrestling was good. The match was decided at 135 pounds. The score was 33-27 but Southview had a forfeit pending at 140. Everything for the Saints was resting on sophomore Antoine Edwards.
Edwards put his team through an emotional rollercoaster. Edwards nearly pinned his opponent at the first period but Justin Ritchie held on. In the second Edwards got caught and it looked like for a moment, he would get pinned. Then in the third period Edwards got a takedown but Ritchie reversed and again it looked like Edwards was in trouble. But Edwards got another takedown and got the pin for the win.
"A couple of times he scared us but he came out with a pin," senior Narcisco Incharregui said. "As a sophomore he has come into the lineup and done real good for himself."
Incharregui remained undefeated (21-0) with a pin 58 seconds into his match against Quinn Emminger.
"It was great going against a rival like Sandusky," Incharregui said. "We needed that win."
Incharregui likes how his team is coming along.
"It is getting a lot better," he said. "We are starting perform better as a team."
Uland Ralston suffered his first loss of the year against fellow state qualifier Davion Coston.
"Calls could have went a couple of different ways," head coach Billy Kopp said. "I wasn’t happy with the calls. But we have to finish a takedown. The name of the game is takedowns and we didn’t get any. Close match until the end when he got a couple of back points but we aren’t worried about that. We will see him in two weeks."

Monroeville wrestling making news

2010-01-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Monroeville wrestling team feature four world class wrestlers who have won a combine nine state titles in nine attempts. This season a fifth Eagle attempts to win a state title. Here are some links with some recent stories about the Monroeville wrestling program. The first is a national cover story about the Stieber brothers, the second Morning Journal Exclusive about Logan Stieber setting a Ohio high school record and a EDGE feature story on the team.

ESPN RISE Magazine article on Stieber brothers

Logan Stieber breaks Ohio record for consecutive wins

Morning Journal EDGE feature story on Monroeville wrestling

Open Door and Brookside pick up impressive wins

2010-01-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

Open Door raised their record to 6-2 with an impressive 53-49 win at Oberlin. Head coach Jason Penley is in his third year at Open Door and he has three juniors in Abe Valentine, Nick Terry and Eric Mann who have started since freshman. When a reporter asked Penley if the win over Oberlin was a signature win, Penley politely disagreed.
"We are not looking for signature wins," Penley said. "We are breaking it down into four game stretches and taking one game at a time. I respect Coach Russell. He has a great program here and I know they are always going to be ready. But a signature win? Our guys believed they could win tonight. If you want to call it a signature win thats fine but our guys came in expecting to win and they would have been disappointed in anything less."
Count Oberlin coach Kurt Russell as a believer.
"The Valentine kid and Terry kid are tough players," Russell said. "I was telling the coach before the game that they are one of the better teams in the area even though they are a Christian school, we have this stereotype that they are not talented. But clearly they are more talented than us and it showed tonight."
The Patriots travel next to Brookside on Friday. The Cardinals had a "signature" win of their own tonight win a 55-51 win over Keystone. The Cardinals led by eight to start the fourth quarter and then found themselves trailing by one late in the game. It is the type of game that in the past, Brookside would have lost. But the Cardinals regained their composure and won 55-51.
"We have been working towards being competitive," Brookside coach Brent Schremp said. "We also have been learning how to close out games by doing the little things. This is a great win for our program. This was a total team effort. I am so proud of them."
The J.V. game tips off at 6 p.m. at Brookside with the varsity to follow.

Firelands takes Clearview Holiday tournament

2009-12-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

GIRLS HOOPS
Teresa Davis scored a game-high 22 points and eights rebounds to lead Firelands over Clearview 45-31 to win the Clearview Holiday tournament.
Neither team shot well from the floor, the Falcons got to foul line 27 times and the defense held the Clippers to single digit scoring in all four quarters.
The Falcons are now 5-3, while Clearview drops to 2-2.

In the consolation game of the Clearview Holiday tournament, Vermilion handily defeated Max Hayes by the score of 71-26
Katelyn Peterson and Katie Karres paced the Sailors with 13 points apiece, while Alex Shuster finished with 12. Vermilion improves to 5-3 on the season.

BOYS HOOPS
In boys hoops action, Southview traveled to Parma and lost a shootout to the Redmen 85-76.
Charles Flectcher led the Saints with 22 points and Mike Davila added 20.
The Saints battled back from a 10-point deficit at halftime, but fell victim to excellent free throw shooting by Parma. The Redmen were 9 of 9 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter and 19 of 22 (86 percent) for the game.
Southview falls to 3-2 on the season.

Brookside got its first win of the season behind Nick Jackman's 32 points againt Patriot Athletic Conference opponent Black River 74-58. Hunter Skolnicki had a solid game for the Cardinals as he finished with 14 points.

Avon got 20 points from R.J. Kaufman and 17 from Claude Gray to beat Rocky River 67-44 in West Shore Conference play. The Eagles are now 3-3.

Opening night for boys hoops

2009-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Friday night marked the opening of the 2009-10 boys basketball season.
Many teams got off to good start, but one team fell on some bad luck.
Avon lost a heart-breaker to Westlake on a game-winning 3-pointer by the Demons Paul Appel.
R.J. Kauffman led the Eagles with 19 points, while Mike Mingo added 16 points.

Admiral King, who went 20-0 last season, began its season with a 72-63 loss to Akron East. The Admirals were without Malcolm Barnett, who suffered a fractured wrist in the preseason.
Theron Nelson led the Admirals with 17 points, while Gary Donald chipped in with 11 points and nine rebounds.

Keystone got off to a good start with an impressive 76-53 victory against Firelands. Caleb Schillace led the Wildcats with 19 points, Sam Bailosky, Ryan Clement and Caleb Wagner finished in double figures with 13, 11 and 11 points respectively.

Nick Clark and and Riley Moore each had 17 points as Midview defeated Elyria Catholic on the road.

Joe Januzzi, Andrew Kubuski and Sergio Montanez all scored nine points to lead the Panthers.

In Milan, the Edison Chargers defeated the New London Wildcats 72-59. Taylor Emody had a monster game for the Chargers with a game-high 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Cotlyn Grant added 15 points, while Mike Yost and Ryan Reber each had 11 points.

Katie Nowak Named MVC Good Neighbor Award Recipient

2009-11-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

Avon Lake resident Katie Nowak was named one of 10 Missouri Valley Conference State Farm Good Neighbor Award.

The Avon Lake graduate has been a key contributor to the success of the Bradley women’s cross country team this season. She owns two top-10 finishes, including her first-career meet victory at the Bradley Open Sept. 11. Nowak received MVC Athlete of the Week and State Farm/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week honors following her performance at the Bradley Open. With Nowak’s leadership, the Braves have two first-place team finishes and have been ranked in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Midwest Regional poll for six consecutive weeks.

In an effort to honor model student-athletes, the Missouri Valley Conference has partnered with State Farm Insurance in creating the MVC Good Neighbor Award. In order to be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must be in good academic standing, must demonstrate good citizenship through good sportsmanship and significant community service and must participate in a sport during the season of recognition.

Nowak boasts a 3.97 cumulative grade point average in mechanical and bio-medical engineering and has volunteered in a variety of activities, including the Buddy with the Braves Program, Just Read and the Megan Fong Blood & Bone Marrow Drive. She is a three-year member of both the MVC and Bradley Athletic Director’s Honor Roll (2006-08) and was an MVC First Team Scholar Athlete in 2007-08.

Experience pays off for Huron

2009-11-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

By STEVE WALKER
swalker@MorningJournal.com

When the Huron volleyball team made it to the state tournament this season, it was head coach Don Wood's sixth time being there.

Having made five other appearances, including state championships in 1999 and 2002, Wood knew what it took to get there.

And win.

But this was a new class and this team was on a three-year drought of winning at regionals. His four seniors Jesse Miedema, Melissa Moberg, Adriana Deluca and Devon Koenig were freshmen the last time the Tigers were state champs, but didn't get the experience of playing on the big stage.

That didn't pose a threat as Huron made it look easy, sweeping Frankfort Adena, 25-17, 25-21, 25-21 at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in the OHSAA Division III state championship match on Saturday.

"It feels exactly like a dream come true," said Miedema, who will be signing her letter of intent today to play volleyball at Radford, a Division I college in Virginia. "I remember being a little freshman and watching our team go down to state and saying 'Wow, I want that so bad' and we just did it. Looking back I'm so happy. This season could not have ended on a better note. Especially my senior year, just to cap off my entire high school volleyball career is great. A complete dream come true."

Wood had been there before, but this championship is different.

"It's a pretty special one," Wood said. "Everytime we've made it down to Dayton, it's special in its own way, but there is something about this group of kids, the community and the students the way they followed us. It gave us a really nice feeling. Everything was just right. The fans were terrific. The students were the talk of the place. In fact, our student section made a name for themselves with their costumes and the way they followed us.

"We had a great parade when we came into town and a great crowd at the gym Saturday night. It was special. It was just the way you would dream of it happening."

Miedema led the Tigers with 12 kills, while junior Taylor Slauterbeck recorded a double-double with 11 kills and 12 digs. Junior Taryn Graham added 28 digs.

Adena had two more kills than Huron for the match (37-35), but committed 28 attack errors compared to just 17 for the Tigers.

"It was very exciting, very overwhelming," Moberg said. "It kind've came on to us like we're the big champion, we're the best in our division. Just that feeling is so amazing. This is definitely you want to end your senior season, just to know that you ended your senior season with a win and you couldn't get any farther than you went.

"A lot of our success is credited to the chemistry all of us girls had together and being able to focus toward one main goal and not having side distractions distract us from that goal."

Huron advanced to the championship match by knocking off Middletown Bishop Fenwick in a five-game semifinal. The Tigers punched their ticket to the championship match by winning the fifth-and-deciding game, 15-10.

The road wasn't easy for Huron, who also won a five-game battle with Archbold, who came in at 27-0, in the regional final after its come-from-behind win over Marion Elgin in the regional semifinal.

Huron had swept through sectionals without losing a game, knocking off Woodmore, Clear Fork and Margaretta to advance to regional play.

"They were well prepared in staying strong and staying focused from our regular season schedule," Wood said. "Our conference was no breeze this year. We had a couple five-gamers with Edison that we split. We played some tough tough teams so to even compete with some of them, we had to be mentally tough. That helped prepare them for the tournament run."

The Tigers, who finished the season 26-3, haven't lost since a 3-2 loss to Findlay midway through the season. Another loss was to Padua Franciscan, who won the Division II state title. The season started off bumpy as Huron had its 99-straight Sandusky Bay Conference match win streak snapped by Edison, causing many to think the Tigers weren't the kings of the conference or the area anymore. The loss, in Wood's eyes, seemed to be a wake-up call.

"The winning streak in the SBC wasn't something that we ever talked about, because number one we respect the heck out of everybody in our conference," Wood said. "I just never thought that was something that I should ever really talk about. Just the fact of losing that first conference game of the year and trying to defend the SBC title, that put 'em behind the eight ball early. I think it gave them a wake-up call. They really did work hard after that. If we had squeaked that one out at Edison, I don't know if we would've had that same urgency that I was able to get out of them."

Overall, Wood couldn't be more pleased with the play of his team.

Miedema had a tremendous offensive year, while earning All-Ohio recognition. Grendow set her teammates up well. Moberg did a great job serving. Defensively, Graham played excellent at libero and even recorded a regional-record 44 digs in the regional final win over Archbold. Deluca, Koenig, Slauterbeck, Katlyn Sommer and Erin O'Reilly were also keys to the Tigers' success. And state championship.

Cross Country runners head to state

2009-11-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

The State Cross Country meet will take place this Saturday at Scioto Downs in Columbus. The schedule is as follows: 11:05 A.M. D-III Girls, 11:50 A.M. D-II Girls, 12:35 P.M. D-I Girls, 1:20 P.M. D-III Boys, 2:05 P.M. D-II Boys, 2:50 D-I Boys. Admission is $9.

Two local teams and several individuals will run in the races.

The Elyria Catholic boys won the D-II Tiffin Regional Championship with 41 points. Senior Marty Coolidge finished third overall with a time of 16:07.61. He will be joined at state by his teammates senior Bryce Steindl, juniors Patrick Foreman, Dan Kuhman, Ryan Lynch, Matt Wiehe and freshman Greg Nagy.

The Bay Rockets finished third in that same regional. Senior Mike Brajdic won the race with a time of 15:42.14. Joining him at state are seniors C.J. Farnham, Jeremy Farver, Alex Meyers, Jacob Schreibman, Brian Zeuch and junior Nick Banks.

Qualifying as an individual in D-II was Avon junior Tyler Kvach who finished 8th overall. In D-I, Avon Lake teammates Jimmy Adams and Matt Link qualified for state. The team finished fifth and missed states by just three points.

The Avon girls team finished fifth missing a trip to states by one place. Bay sophomore Hannah Sterle was fourth overall in the D-II girls race and qualified as an individual. Sophomore Katy Link finished eighth in the D-I girls race and will run in Columbus.

The Magnificat girls won the D-I girls championship with 34 points. Avon residents Abby and Clare Fisher finished third and fourth overall.

Locals qualify for state

2009-10-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

It is the season for state tournaments. Soccer and Volleyball began sectional play this week. While tennis and golf are wrapping up their seasons.

The St. Mary's boys golf team qualified for the Division II state tournament and finished 10th. The team is coached by Matt Keech and playing at state for the Panthers were Senior Ian Fegedelem and juniors Jared Ebert, Collin Ebert, Evan Slattery and Connor Stark.

Participating in this weekend's D-I golf tournament will be Westlake senior Chris Nader and Avon Lake freshman Brendan Aussem.

Avon Lake resident Victoria Bello was the D-I Medalist - shooting an 81 miserable, wet, cold, and windy conditions at Heatherdowns in Toledo last week. The Magnificat senior golfer qualified for her third trip to state.

Three local girls are participating in the State tennis tournament this weekend. Avon Lake senior Nikki Chiricosta became a four-time state qualifier and Elyria Catholic seniors Morgan Baker and Emily Mueller advanced after winning both elimination matches last Saturday.

If you have any news to share about Lorain County high school athletes send tips to zdzurick@MorningJournal.com.

Westlake girls clinch second-straight SWC crown

2009-09-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Westlake girls soccer defeated Olmsted Falls, 5-1 to clinch its second-straight Southwestern Conference title. Natalie Bechtel led the Demons with three goals and an assist, while Kristie Prendergast and Megan Dunlap also added a goal apiece. Westlake improved to 9-1-1 overall and 6-0 in the SWC.

In volleyball, Wellington beat Lutheran West, 3-1 with Katie Stumphauzer going 23-for-26 hitting with 11 kills and 6 aces. Trinity edged EC 3-2, but Zoe Zwegat helped the Panthers with 17 kills. The Lions of Lake Ridge took down Oberlin 3-1 in a non-conference match up. Southview was shut out by Mentor even though Shanique Ogle had a great day serving going 13-for-13 with 11 service points and an ace.

Westlake shut out Olmsted Falls, 3-0. Alex Chernosky had a pair of goals to propel the Demons to the SWC win.

In West Shore Conference action, Bay remained undefeated with a 2-0 shutout over Fairview. Avon defeated Midview, 4-1 and Rocky River blanked Vermilion, 2-0.
Oberlin blanked Lutheran West, 4-0 and Buckeye beat Keystone 7-3 in Patriot Athletic Conference action. Also in PAC action, Wellington routed Brookside, 10-0. Eight Dukes scored in the effort.

Avon girls golf improves to 16-0

2009-09-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Katelyn Greear was two-over par 40 to lead Avon to a tri-meet win over Bay and Vermilion at Willow Creek.
Avon (16-0) scored a 179, while Bay had a 202 and Vermilion notched a 229.
Rounding out the Eagles top four were Katlin Neumann (43), Mary Dickson (48) and Chelsea Plzak (48).
Sarah Balch (42) led Bay, while Taylor Fortner (48) led Vermilion.

In boys soccer, Jimmy Filko scored two goals to lead Open Door past Avon Lake, 2-1.

NiiArmah Hammond scored a pair to help the Phoenix beat Keystone, 4-1.

Wellington beat Brookside, 5-1. Chris Cokur had a hat trick in the effort and Dan Grodek scored the Cardinals only goal.

Courtney Echstenaamper scored two goals to lead Wellington past Brooklyn 6-0.

Sarah Borrhello scored two goals, while her sister Paige added another, as Columbia topped Brookside.

Avon Lake defeated Olmsted Falls 4-0 in Southwestern Conference action. Tani Lopez and Ali Kenny scored a goal each.

In tennis, Oak Harbor beat Perkins 4-1, Ashley LaFountain defeated Dalal Hamad in straight 6-0 sets.

Elsewhere, Clyde swept Edison 5-0, with doubles team of Mariah Bloom and Shelbe Gibson handled their match, 6-2 and 6-0.

- Matt Lofgren

Amherst wins Norwalk Invitational

2009-09-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

In girls volleyball, Amherst took the Norwalk Invitational by storm, beating Beaumount and Norwalk to get into the final. There, the Comets beat Lexington in straight sets to win the tournament.

In non-conference play, Avon beat Medina Highland 3-0 with the help of Sara Ladegaard who had 17 kills, and 9 digs.

Admiral King played in a tri-match, defeating Euclid, but falling to Columbia. Deidre Noble had a combined 15 kills and 2 blocks in the matches.

The Keystone-Margaretta match went the distance, ending in a 3-2 Margaretta victory. Alyssa Stechow of Keystone put up 10 blocks, while teammate Casidy Gregory was 35-for-39 hitting with 13 kills.

Finally, Firelands went 2-0 in a tri-match with Oberlin and Open Door.
In boys soccer, Green beat Avon Lake, despite a good effort by goalie Logan Crist.
North Olmsted routed Canton McKinley, 11-0. Adam Koehler and Mike Grazia each had a hat trick and Josh Sandoval scored two.

Oberlin and Norwalk had a scoreless tie with the help of Josh Kocsis of Oberlin in front of the net. Kocsis had fives saves.

Westlake and Rocky River also ended in a tie while no players scored.

Wellington edged EC 1-0 with a goal by Nick Dowdell, assisted by Kyle Bartolovich.

Norwalk controlled Admiral King, 7-1. Michelle Bailey scored the Admirals only goal. Lisa Patusky led the Truckers with four goals.

Elsewhere, Firelands beat Oberlin, 4-0, while Trinity blanked Brookside. Melanie McCowan saved 18 shots on goal for the Cardinals.

The Chris Green Invite cross country saw the likes of girls from Seneca East, Perkins, Bellevue, Oregon Clay. Seneca East took home a 1st place trophy with the help of Brittany Stockmaster 19:08. Samantha Jarrett of Perkins finished in 21:05 which was best in the area. At the Ashland invitational, Amherst took 1st with a score of 58. Five Amherst girl’s runners finished in the top 25. EC took 9th place at the Bucyrus Elks Invitational. Alexa Rick finished a team best 6th place with a time of 20:45.

The Chris Green Invite also was for boy’s cross country teams. Sandusky took 3rd with a score of 82, beating 4th place Perkins and 7th place Margaretta. Billy Fry finished an area best 5th place with a time of 16:42. Finally, EC boys got a big win thanks to a first place overall finish by Marty Coolidge who posted a time of 16:07.

- Matt Lofgren